Lionel Messi says he already misses Argentina shirt after emotional farewell

Lionel Messi has said he already misses playing in the Argentina shirt, less than 24 hours after his farewell appearance for the national team against Benin at the Monumental.

The 38-year-old shared the message on Instagram through his story, writing: “Yesterday was my last match, and I already miss the Argentina shirt.”

The brief post prompted a wave of emotion across Argentina and attracted widespread reaction from prominent figures in sport, including Messi’s long-standing rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi had earlier reflected on his final match for Argentina, describing his international career as an extraordinary journey shaped by both happiness and sadness.

“I know I am making the right decision,” he said. “It has been an incredible journey, full of joy, but also with some sadness. However, I know that every step was worthwhile.”

Messi thanks family, team-mates and coaches

Messi said the significance of his career with Argentina could not be captured in a short message, while highlighting the importance of the support he received throughout it.

“There is so much I could say. It is impossible to express everything I feel in a few words or a post,” he said.

“This journey would not have been possible without my family, who were always by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult moments.”

The forward also paid tribute to his friends, team-mates, coaches and their staff, saying each had played an essential role in his career.

“My friends were indispensable, as were all my team-mates and coaches, along with their staff,” Messi added.

“I do not want to forget Diego, who put our country in the place it deserved, and who I know also helped us from heaven at every step along the way.”

Messi thanked the clubs he had represented for respecting his feelings and allowing him to give priority to Argentina whenever he was called upon to wear the national shirt.

“I thank the clubs I played for, for always respecting my feelings and for giving me the opportunity to dedicate myself to my country when the time came to wear the national team shirt,” he said.

‘I will always be grateful’

Messi concluded his message by expressing his faith and gratitude to everyone who had supported him and the national team.

“Of course, I thank God. Without his guidance and will, we would not even have dreamed of reaching this stage,” he said.

“I am grateful to all of you. I love you all very much, I will miss you, and I will always be grateful that you were there for us, and for me.”