Lionel Messi bids farewell to Argentina: ‘Today is the least happy day of my life’

Lionel Messi described playing his final match for Argentina as “the least happy day” of his life after ending his international career with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin.

Messi scored once and provided two assists at the Monumental Stadium before addressing supporters in an emotional farewell. He said representing Argentina had been the greatest honour of his career and thanked the fans, team-mates and family who had shared his journey.

“It is difficult to say anything tonight because I have so many emotions,” Messi said. “The first person I think about is my father. Thank you very much. It has been a source of pride to defend the colours of the national team for so many years.

“Even in the difficult moments, I never gave up. I always gave everything and kept trying. Today I feel immense sadness, but wearing the Argentina shirt is the most beautiful thing in my life.”

Messi reflected on Argentina’s most recent World Cup campaign, saying the tournament had taken a significant mental and physical toll on the squad.

“The last World Cup affected us greatly,” he said. “We dreamed of winning the World Cup again after 2022. We came close, did everything we could, and in the match against England we made a huge effort to win.

“That match exhausted us mentally and physically. I fought alongside all my team-mates and we gave everything. We did not win the title, but there is no doubt everyone gave everything for the Argentina shirt.”

He also paid tribute to the players who helped him win the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Finalissima.

“It was a privilege to share a dressing room with them,” Messi added. “I knew I had fighters who would sacrifice everything, even their lives, to win. They helped me fulfil my dream of winning the World Cup and Copa America.”

Messi recalled the reception Argentina received when they played Panama at the Monumental in their first match after the 2022 World Cup.

“All the stadiums were full and you were always behind us,” he said. “What happened here against Panama was the most beautiful thing I have experienced in my life. I am still moved by that day and it will remain in my memory forever.”

“Today is the least happy day of my life. From now on, I will be a supporter behind these players. We have shown that when we stand together, we are the strongest of all.”

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Messi would leave an unparalleled legacy.

“He leaves behind an incomparable legacy,” Scaloni said. “We have to keep playing, but the feeling of having him on the pitch is unique. I have never seen anyone else convey what he does on a football pitch. That is what we will miss.”

Messi is Argentina’s most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and their record goalscorer with 126 goals. He also has 68 assists, has made the most World Cup appearances, won the most World Cup matches and scored in more consecutive matches at the tournament than any other player.

He holds the record for Copa America appearances and wins, as well as being the leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.

Messi’s international retirement leaves the Argentina number 10 shirt vacant. Mario Kempes wore it before Diego Armando Maradona, who was followed by Messi.

Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami until 2028, meaning supporters will still have time to watch him play, although his final football chapter is drawing closer.