Messi Bids Argentina Farewell: ‘My Dream, My Pride And My Life’
Lionel Messi has delivered an emotional farewell message to Argentina fans ahead of his final appearance for the national team against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old superstar said he was leaving international football at peace after giving everything to the national team, describing the Argentina shirt as his ‘dream’, ‘pride’ and ‘life’.
‘The moment has arrived. I leave in peace. I gave it my all. This jersey was my dream, my pride and my life,’ Messi said in a farewell video shared ahead of the match.
‘Thank you for loving me so much. I will always carry you with me.’
The emotional message comes as Messi prepares to bring the curtain down on a remarkable international career that began in 2005.
The farewell match against Benin will be played at River Plate’s Monumental Stadium, which has a capacity of about 85,000 and is expected to provide a memorable setting for the Argentina captain’s final appearance.
Messi leaves behind a remarkable legacy with Argentina, having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
He is also set to retire as Argentina’s record goalscorer and appearance holder, with 125 goals in 207 international appearances.
For a player who endured years of disappointment with the national team before finally achieving major international success, Messi’s farewell marks the end of one of the most decorated careers in international football.
