Lionel Messi shares emotional farewell message before final Argentina appearance

Lionel Messi has published an emotional farewell message ahead of what will be his final international appearance for Argentina, saying he will miss the supporters after giving everything to the national team.

Messi is due to play his last match for Argentina against Benin in the early hours of Wednesday at Monumental. The message was released only hours before the game, bringing an end to his remarkable international career with the national side.

The video was shared by adidas, Messi’s sponsor, on its X account on 6 October 2026. In it, the Inter Miami forward delivers a final message to Argentina supporters while holding the shirt he will wear in his last match.

“The day we never wanted to come has arrived,” Messi said. “It is the saddest day of our lives. I leave in peace because I gave everything I could. This shirt was my dream, my pride and my life.

“Thank you for loving me so much. I will miss you.”

Messi concluded the message by saluting Argentina and kissing the shirt, marking the final chapter of his international story.

He had decided to retire from international football after Argentina were beaten by Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup. That period was also marked by the death of his father, Jorge.

The 2026 World Cup final defeat followed a long career in which Messi led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup. He has made 207 appearances for the national team, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists.

His final match against Benin will therefore close a spell with Argentina that has included World Cup success and a record number of international appearances and goals.

The adidas video carried the message: “Leo: ‘thank you for loving me so much’”, alongside a series of emotional emojis from the account.