Messi showed that he is a genius! So he said goodbye to Argentina
Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career in a friendly against Benin, contributing to all three goals as Argentina won 3-0. The farewell was touching, Messi thanked the fans and remembered his late father.
Messi showed that he is a genius! So he said goodbye to Argentina
According to Sport.
Context
Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a farewell match against Benin, where he contributed to all three goals. His departure was also a significant moment for Nicolas Otamendia, who was also saying goodbye to the team. Messi has left a legacy that will inspire future generations of footballers in Argentina.
Why is this important
The end of Lionel Messi's career in the Argentina national team was an important event for the football world. Messi, who has led the team to numerous successes including the 2022 World Cup title, has left an indelible mark on Argentine football history. His farewell to his fans and team underscores the significance of his contribution to the sport and his emotional connection with his fans.
Key takeaways
- Messi showed that he is a genius! So he said goodbye to Argentina.
- Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career in a friendly against Benin, contributing to all three goals in Argentina's 3-0 win.
- Messi pokazał, że jest geniuszem! Tak pożegnał się z Argentyną.
Lionel Messi has officially ended his career in the Argentina national team! His farewell to international football took place in a friendly match against the Benin national team in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old striker did his best to make it a night to remember as he was involved in all three goals, including a strike from the departing Nicolas Otamendia, as Argentina won 3-0.
"The moment has come. I leave in peace. I gave everything I could. It was the jersey of my dreams. My pride and my life. Thank you for loving me so much. I will always be with you," said Lionel Messi shortly before his official farewell to the Argentine national team, which he led to great success in recent years (World Cup 2022, Copa America 2021 and 2024, World Cup silver 2026, Finalisima 2022). He ended his career in a game against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
At the moment of farewell, Messi entered the starting line-up with the captain's armband, his teammate Nicolas Otamendi, who was also farewelling, started the match in central defense next to new captain Cristiano Romero. Nothing much happened in the first half of the game, with the exception of a yellow card for the River Plate defender. However, in the 10th minute of the match, both clubs began to applaud Messi, and fireworks were heard in the stadium.
The real action began only after the break. Three minutes after play restarted, Messi took a corner and Otamenti eluded defenders to tip the ball under the crossbar.It was a beautiful moment to say goodbye, because in the 52nd minute, after hugging all his teammates, he was replaced by Facundo Medina.
Messi continued to warm up. Shortly after the hour mark, he received the ball on the right flank and then passed the ball to Nico Paz, who without hesitation fired a left-footed shot from inside the box into the far corner - a moment that was symbolic as Paz could play a similar role for Argentina as the genius from Rosario had played (he had scored two goals and provided one assist in his previous two matches).
What kind of night would it have been at the Monumental if Messi hadn't scored? An opportunity presented itself when Agustin Gay was fouled in the Benin penalty area. The captain approached the penalty spot, and in the 70th minute, with an accurate shot into the upper right corner, he completely confused the goalkeeper. Soon he found himself in the arms of his comrades, and the entire stadium was chanting his name.
Later, the Argentines had several more good opportunities - in the 75th minute, Messi himself was unable to convert an almost empty corner, and a little less than a quarter of an hour later the goalkeeper parried his shot into the upright. Ultimately, the match ended with a score of 3:0, and the undisputed hero of the evening was Messi - a goal and two assists - he took the ball for himself.
After the final whistle, the farewell began - Messi was moved, others also could not hold back their tears. It was the end of an era in Argentine football, which owed much to the 39-year-old.At this special moment, he also remembered his loved one. "I have a lot of emotions. First of all, I think about my father (he died on August 8 - editor's note). I can only express my gratitude; it was a great honor to wear this T-shirt for more than 20 years," he admitted. "I never stopped fighting, I never stopped giving 100%. I swear I wish I could come back forever because playing for Argentina is the greatest thing that can happen to you," he added.
Farewell to Lionel Messi (and Nicolas Otamendia), friendly match: Argentina - Benin 3:0. Goals: Nicolas Otamendi 48., Nico Paz 61., Lionel Messi 71. (pen).
Lionel Messi retired from Argentina with 208 caps, 126 goals and 69 assists.
What happens next
After the farewell match against Benin, Messi will likely focus on his club career and new challenges. Argentina will continue to look for new leaders to fill the void left by Messi and Otamendi and prepare for future tournaments. Young players such as Nico Paz and Agustin Gay may get more opportunities to shine in the national team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi officially ended his career in the Argentina national team, saying goodbye in a friendly match against the Benin national team.
Who confirmed Messi's farewell to Argentina?
Lionel Messi himself confirmed his farewell, saying that he gave everything he could and thanked the fans for their support.
Why did Messi decide to end his national team career now?
Messi retired from the national team after achieving significant success, including the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America.
What changes have occurred in the Argentina team after Messi's farewell?
After Messi's farewell, the captain's armband was taken over by Cristiano Romero, who started the match in central defense next to Nicolas Otamendi.
How did Messi say goodbye to the fans at the stadium?
The stadium erupted in applause and fireworks as Messi took the corner, after which his teammates celebrated his contribution to the game.
Similar articles
- Messi says goodbye to Argentina: two assists and a parting goal
- Sianki: Rzakinya will one day play in Europe
- European leagues demand reforms in FIFA
Similar articles
Similar articles
Similar articles
Частые вопросы
Что произошло с Лионелем Месси?
Лионель Месси официально завершил свою карьеру в сборной Аргентины, попрощавшись в товарищеском матче против сборной Бенина.
Кто подтвердил прощание Месси с Аргентиной?
Лионель Месси сам подтвердил свое прощание, сказав, что он отдал все, что мог, и поблагодарил фанатов за поддержку.
Почему Месси решил завершить карьеру в сборной именно сейчас?
Месси завершил карьеру в сборной после достижения значительных успехов, включая чемпионство мира 2022 и Кубок Америки 2021.
Какие изменения произошли в команде Аргентины после прощания Месси?
После прощания Месси капитанскую повязку принял Кристиано Ромеро, который начал матч в центре обороны рядом с Николасом Отаменди.
Как Месси попрощался с фанатами на стадионе?
На стадионе раздались аплодисменты и фейерверки, когда Месси подал угловой, после чего его товарищи по команде отметили его вклад в игру.
What happened in this story?
Месси показал, что он гений! Так он попрощался с Аргентиной summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
Related News
All News →The conflict between Barcelona and Atlético is over
Президент Барселоны Хоан Лапорта и CEO Атлетико Мигель Анхель Гил Марин встретились на Генеральной ассамблее европейских футбольных клубов, что ознаменовало окончание их летнего конфликта.
Can't find another Kane
Томас Тухель заявляет, что найти преемника Гарри Кэйна будет невозможно, так как Кейн приближается к рекорду по количеству матчей за сборную Англии.
Thailand lost 7 finals under Madame Pang
Мадам Панг, президент Федерации футбола Таиланда, наблюдала за серией поражений сборной в финалах на разных уровнях, что стало значительным ударом для футбольной общественности страны.
Matches that made Messi an Argentine legend 👑
Лионель Месси прощается с Аргентиной, подводя итоги своей карьеры в сборной. Вспоминаем его яркие моменты, включая дебют и триумфы на крупных турнирах.