‘Playing for Argentina was best thing that happened to me’: Messi bids emotional farewell

Speaking to a packed Monumental Stadium after scoring in Argentina’s 3-0 friendly victory over Benin, Messi struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on more than two decades wearing the national colors.

“It is very difficult to say anything today. There are so many emotions. The first thing I think about is my father,” Messi said at the beginning of his address.

The 39-year-old thanked supporters for standing by him throughout a career that included painful defeats before he finally led Argentina to Copa America and World Cup titles.

“I have nothing left to do but say thank you,” he said. “Even in the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, working or giving my all.”

“Playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you. It was the best thing that happened to me in my life.”

Messi also thanked the generations of teammates who accompanied him during his international career, saying they had always given everything for the shirt.

“We are an extraordinary group, and that is why we achieved everything we achieved,” he said.

Defends Argentina’s World Cup campaign

Messi addressed Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, dismissing suggestions that anything unusual had occurred during the tournament.

“The last World Cup was already more than I could have hoped to experience. We had the dream of becoming world champions again. RWe came very close. Nothing strange happened, despite what people are saying,” he said.

Messi said Argentina’s semifinal against England had taken a heavy physical and emotional toll but insisted his teammates had left everything on the field.

The forward said leaving the national team would bring him great sadness, though he would now support Argentina from the stands.

“I am saying goodbye to the national team. I am going to miss you, and I am going to miss it, but now it is my turn to be on the other side,” he said.

He also urged supporters to remain united behind the next generation, warning that periods of transition could bring difficult moments and renewed criticism.

“There will be people who speak badly about the national team, and we have to defend it,” he said. “Always stay united.”

Messi made his senior Argentina debut against Hungary in Budapest in August 2005. His final appearance ended with a goal as Argentina defeated Benin through second-half strikes from Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Paz and Messi.

After thanking the crowd, Messi acknowledged that he had spoken at length because he did not want the farewell to end.