Lionel Messi has brought the curtain down on his illustrious 21-year international career with Argentina, receiving an emotional farewell from supporters in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The Argentina captain was given a hero’s send-off after his side’s 3-0 victory over Benin, with fans chanting his name and waving national flags in celebration of one of the greatest footballers in history.
In a symbolic gesture after the final whistle, referee Fernando Vejar reportedly walked up to Messi and handed him the match ball as well as the yellow and red cards as souvenirs from his final appearance for Argentina.
The moment provided a striking full-circle ending to Messi’s international career, which began in 2005 with a red card just one minute into his senior debut.
Messi, 39, made 208 appearances for Argentina and scored 126 goals, becoming the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
He helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, ending a long wait for major international honours.
His final appearance was marked by tears and prolonged applause from the packed crowd as supporters paid tribute to his remarkable contribution to the national team.
After 21 years, 208 matches and 126 goals, Messi leaves Argentina duty with a legacy crowned by World Cup glory and multiple Copa América titles.
0 Comments