Lionel Messi bids farewell to Argentina after final international appearance

Lionel Messi has thanked Argentina’s supporters, family, friends, team-mates and coaches after playing his final match for the national team.

The Argentina captain ended his international career with a 3-0 win over Benin, with goals from Nicolas Otamendi, Nico Paz and Messi.

“Yesterday was my last match and I already miss wearing the sky-blue and white shirt,” Messi wrote on his official Instagram account. “I know I have made the right decision.”

He added: “It has been an incredible journey, filled with joy and also some sadness. I am completely certain that every step was worth it, but it is impossible to express everything I feel in a few words or a single post.”

Messi said his achievements would not have been possible without the support of his family, particularly during difficult periods.

“This journey would not have been possible without my family, who were always by my side and supported me, especially in the hardest moments, when I needed them most,” he said.

“My friends were also essential, as were all the team-mates and coaches I have had, together with their technical staff.”

Tribute to Maradona

Messi also paid tribute to Diego Maradona, who he said had helped place Argentina in the position it deserved.

“I do not want to forget Diego Maradona, who put our country where it deserved to be,” Messi said. “As I always say, I know he helped us with his presence here and also from the sky, in every step I took.”

The 208-cap Messi is Argentina’s leading international goalscorer with 126 goals and has provided 68 assists. He is also the country’s record appearance-maker.

He holds further records for World Cup appearances, World Cup victories and scoring in the most consecutive matches at the tournament.

Messi is also the player with the most Copa America appearances and wins, while he is the all-time leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.

Those figures form only part of the record of a player who won four major international honours with Argentina: the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the World Cup in 2022 and the Finalissima in 2021.

He thanked the clubs he had represented for respecting his feelings and allowing him to focus on Argentina whenever it was time to join the national team.

“And, of course, thank God, because without his guidance and will, we would not even have dared to dream of reaching this point,” Messi said.

“I love you very much and I will miss you. I will always be grateful to you for standing by me.”

Messi’s retirement from international football leaves Argentina with the question of who will inherit the number 10 shirt. Mario Kempes wore it before Diego Armando Maradona, who was followed by Messi.

Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs until 2028, meaning he will continue playing at club level for now, although his final appearance for Argentina marks the approach of the end of his career.