Lionel Messi has said goodbye to Argentina supporters after bringing his international career to a close with a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin Republic.
The Inter Miami forward featured in Argentina’s farewell match in the early hours of Wednesday, with about 85,000 supporters turning out to celebrate the national team captain.
The fixture marked the end of Messi’s Argentina career, during which he became the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
Messi finished his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina.
Addressing the crowd after the victory, the 39-year-old forward said he would continue to support the national team and its players even after stepping away from international football.
“I am going to miss all of you so much, but I will always be on your side. I will be supporting these boys and everyone who comes after them,” Messi told the fans.
Messi’s international journey has included major triumphs with Argentina, culminating in the country’s victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
His departure marks the end of an era for Argentina, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner having spent much of his career as the central figure of the national team.
Although he will no longer represent Argentina on the pitch, Messi’s message to the supporters indicated that he intends to remain closely connected to the national team.
The farewell match against Benin Republic therefore provided an emotional closing chapter to one of the longest and most decorated international careers in football.
