Messi Bids Emotional Farewell to Argentina: ‘Saddest Day of My Career’
Lionel Messi has described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” after bringing the curtain down on his illustrious Argentina career in emotional fashion.
Messi marked his final appearance for the Albiceleste with a goal and two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium on Tuesday.
After the final whistle, the 39-year-old took to the pitch to address the supporters and his teammates, reflecting on more than two decades of representing his country.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi said.
“Even in the worst moments we went through and that I had, I never stopped fighting, never stopped being here.
“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
The farewell was made even more poignant by the venue. The Monumental was where Argentina played their first match after lifting the 2022 World Cup, a tournament that finally delivered the trophy Messi had chased throughout his career.
“Now I’m here on the saddest day of my career, which is the day I have to say goodbye to the national team, goodbye to all of you,” he said.
“But now I’ll be on that side, with the fans, supporting all the boys, everyone who comes in. Always united.”
Despite the emotion surrounding his departure, Messi insisted he had no regrets about choosing this moment to end his international career.
The Argentine captain admitted that the demands of the latest World Cup campaign had taken a heavy physical and emotional toll, particularly after Argentina reached the final before losing to Spain.
Messi marked his final appearance for the Albiceleste with a goal and two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium on Tuesday.
After the final whistle, the 39-year-old took to the pitch to address the supporters and his teammates, reflecting on more than two decades of representing his country.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi said.
“Even in the worst moments we went through and that I had, I never stopped fighting, never stopped being here.
“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
The farewell was made even more poignant by the venue. The Monumental was where Argentina played their first match after lifting the 2022 World Cup, a tournament that finally delivered the trophy Messi had chased throughout his career.
“Now I’m here on the saddest day of my career, which is the day I have to say goodbye to the national team, goodbye to all of you,” he said.
“But now I’ll be on that side, with the fans, supporting all the boys, everyone who comes in. Always united.”
Despite the emotion surrounding his departure, Messi insisted he had no regrets about choosing this moment to end his international career.
The Argentine captain admitted that the demands of the latest World Cup campaign had taken a heavy physical and emotional toll, particularly after Argentina reached the final before losing to Spain.
