“Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment,” Messi said.

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” after making his final appearance for Argentina in a 3-0 victory over Benin.

Messi scored once and provided two assists in the farewell match at the Monumental Stadium, where he received an emotional tribute from supporters, teammates and his family.

The match marked Messi’s record-extending 208th international appearance for Argentina.

Messi Bids Emotional Farewell to Argentina

After the final whistle, Messi addressed the crowd and reflected on more than two decades representing his country.

“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi said, thanking supporters for their continued backing.

He admitted that stepping away from the national team would be extremely difficult but said playing for Argentina had been the greatest honour of his career.

“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful,” Messi said, adding that he would have liked to continue representing the country for the rest of his life.

Argentina Star Ends International Career

Messi contributed directly to all three goals in the victory. He assisted veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal before Nico Paz added another, while Messi later found the net himself.

The 39-year-old forward said returning to the Monumental made the occasion particularly emotional, recalling that Argentina had played their first match at the stadium after winning the 2022 World Cup.

“Now I’m here on the saddest day of my career, which is the day I have to say goodbye to the national team,” Messi told the crowd.

He said he would now support Argentina from the stands and remain behind the next generation of players.

Messi Says Timing Was Right

Despite the emotional nature of his farewell, Messi said he had no regrets about ending his international career at this stage.

He pointed to the physical and emotional demands of Argentina’s recent World Cup campaign, which saw the team reach the final before losing to Spain.

Messi said the tournament had taken a significant toll on the players after an intense campaign that included a dramatic semi-final victory over England.

“Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment,” Messi said.

He added that Argentina had given everything in pursuit of another World Cup triumph and had come close to achieving their goal.

Emotional Tribute at Monumental Stadium

Messi’s three children joined him on the pitch during the farewell, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from a VIP box.

Before kick-off, a giant Argentina shirt featuring Messi’s iconic No. 10 and the word “Gracias” was displayed on the pitch as the stadium erupted in applause.

The emotional ceremony marked the end of an extraordinary international career in which Messi became Argentina’s most influential player and helped the team secure major international honours.