Lionel Messi says he will remain alongside Argentina after final appearance

Lionel Messi has said he will continue to support Argentina after making his final appearance for the national team in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin.

The Argentina captain addressed supporters after Wednesday’s match, which marked his last game in the famous blue and white shirt. Messi scored once and provided two assists as Argentina ended the evening with a comfortable victory.

Speaking to the crowd after the final whistle, Messi said the occasion had brought a powerful mixture of emotions and that his thoughts immediately turned to his father.

“I felt a lot of emotions, and the first person I think about is my father,” he said. “It was a great source of pride for me to defend the national team’s colours throughout all these years.”

Messi, who has led Argentina through some of the most difficult periods in the team’s recent history, said he had never considered giving up.

“Even in the hardest moments, I never gave up,” he added. “I always fought and gave everything I had. I always wanted to play for the national team all my life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”

The 2022 World Cup also featured prominently in Messi’s reflections on his international career.

“I feel that the time has come,” he said. “The last World Cup affected us a lot, and our dream was to become world champions. We gave everything, fought as we always had and defended these colours with everything we had.”

Messi thanked the players who had shared his journey with Argentina and said they had helped him fulfil a childhood ambition.

“I want to thank all my team-mates for all the years we spent together,” he said. “They helped me achieve my childhood dream. I was lucky to play in different parts of the country and to receive everyone’s love from beginning to end.”

He also recalled one of the happiest memories of his time with the national team, while acknowledging the sadness surrounding his farewell.

“I experienced one of the best days of my career here, and I will never forget what I lived through that day,” Messi said. “That day is one of the saddest days of my life.”

Despite stepping away from the team, Messi insisted he would remain closely connected to Argentina and would support the next generation.

“I will always be alongside the national team and I will not leave it,” he said. “I will defend its colours from my new position and be a supporter of these players. When we are united, we are as strong as we can be and can overcome every obstacle.”

Messi praised the group he had represented, saying difficult moments had revealed its character.

“Those hard moments are what show the spirit of a group, which is why this group was exceptional,” he said. “I am grateful to be Argentine and proud to be Argentine, and proud that I achieved these dreams with you.”

He ended his speech with a direct message to the supporters: “I am speaking now more than I have ever spoken before. I want to say to you: I love you. I love you.”