Football legend Lionel Messi, 39, has ended his 21-year career with the Argentine national team in his final international appearance, marked by a grand and emotional ceremony in Buenos Aires.
In his 208th and final match for the national team, Messi scored his 126th international goal from the penalty spot, helping Argentina defeat Benin 3-0. He also provided the assist for the opening goal. The match was held in front of 85,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium.
The event was more a tribute ceremony for Messi than just a football match. After the game, he told the fans, "It will be very painful for me not to be here anymore." Messi cited the difficult recent World Cup campaign, which coincided with his late father's illness, as a reason for his decision.
The farewell ceremony included memorable moments. The game was paused at the tenth minute in honor of Messi's jersey number, with fans giving him a one-minute ovation. Before the match, the University of Buenos Aires awarded him an honorary doctorate, and after the game, a drone show lit up the sky with his image.
Messi's retirement comes four years after his greatest national achievement, winning the 2022 World Cup, where he ended his country's 36-year wait for a third world title. He has also won two Copa América titles.
Despite retiring from the national team, Messi will continue his club career, as he is under contract with Inter Miami until 2028. His departure from the international stage marks the end of a illiant chapter in the history of world football.
Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP), Zarin TV sources
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