Legends Pay Emotional Tribute to Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his Argentina career in memorable fashion, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Key points

• More than 85, 000 fans packed the stadium to witness the 39-year-old's final appearance for the national team, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year international career.
• Messi created his 208th appearance for Argentina and signed off as the country's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer with 126 goals.
• The veteran defender shared 17 years of international football and four World Cup campaigns with Messi.
• Neymar Jr., who played alongside Messi at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, thanked him for everything he had given to the sport.
• Messi then scored from the penalty spot in the 70th minute to create it 3-0, triggering another loud round of chants from the home crowd.

Meanwhile, the farewell atmosphere began well before kickoff, with supporters chanting his name and thousands lining Argentina's route to the stadium. In his hometown of Rosario, a giant No. 10 shirt carrying the word "Gracias" was displayed at the National Flag Memorial. Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals Why He Walked Out of Portugal Camp.

Benin additionally joined the tribute, with their captain presenting Messi with a gift and a letter before the match.

After a goalless first half, Messi supported Argentina take control of the game. His corner was headed in by Nicolas Otamendi in the 48th minute before he set up Nico Paz for the second goal.

It was additionally Otamendi's final appearance for Argentina. The veteran defender shared 17 years of international football and four World Cup campaigns with Messi.

Notably, the celebrations continued after the final whistle as players, opponents and authorities embraced Messi. While Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti performed "Brindis" during the farewell ceremony, fireworks and a drone display lit up the stadium.

Messi admitted afterward that the emotions created it challenging for him to speak. He reflected on more than two decades with the national team and described representing Argentina as one of the greatest experiences of his career.

According to He afterwards, he believed retirement was the right decision, despite already missing international football.

"Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the blue and white, " Messi wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile, the Argentine great additionally remembered Diego Maradona and paid tribute to his late father during his farewell.

Messi leaves international football after leading Argentina through one of the most successful periods in its history. He captained the team to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. His retirement additionally prompted tributes from some of football's biggest names.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's longtime rival, praised the Argentine for creating a legacy that would "last forever" and expressed his respect for everything he achieved with the national team. World's Richest Footballer is Now a Free Agent.

Former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho remarked it had been a pleasure to be part of Messi's journey from the beginning and praised his contribution to both Argentine and world football.

Neymar Jr., who played alongside Messi at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, thanked him for everything he had given to the sport. The Brazilian remarked it had been an honor to play against Messi and an even greater one to produce history alongside him.

Luis Suárez additionally paid tribute to his longtime friend and current Inter Miami teammate, saying Messi had earned every bit of recognition he received for what he achieved and represented for Argentina.

Messi's international career ends with 208 appearances, 126 goals, a World Cup, two Copa America titles and a Finalissima crown, closing one of the most decorated chapters in international football history. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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