Lionel Messi's final message to fans at farewell match: "Playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you"
Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina national football team following a final match against Benin. He expressed deep gratitude to his fans and teammates, reflecting on his two-decade career and the importance of team unity.
Why it matters
Messi's retirement marks the end of an era for international football, impacting the sport's global landscape and the legacy of one of its most iconic players.
The day that no Argentinian ever wanted to come, has finally come. Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina national team. On Tuesday night, Argentina played against Benin and won 3-0, with Messi delivering a goal and two assists. Even before the match, it was a festival. Singers got the party started hours before kickoff, then it continued once the final whistle blew. Once the show was done, Messi took the microphone for himself in order to say goodbye to the fans who made the trip to El Monumental. Messi admitted that the first thought that came into his mind was his father, who sadly passed away in August. His father's death was a part of the reason Messi decided to retire from the national team at this point in time.
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18 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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