Messi concluded his international career in a memorable fashion, providing two assists and scoring a goal as Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.
“I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt. For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had and wanting to be here. Not coming here anymore and no longer being with the Argentina National Team is going to hurt a lot. If it were up to me, I would love to be here for my entire life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing there is. I think I’m talking more than ever today because I simply don’t want this moment to end,” Messi said after the match, according to 433.
In what was billed as his final international appearance, the Argentine maestro commanded Argentina’s second-half dominance and gave the home crowd a memorable farewell.
After a goalless first half, Argentina took the lead shortly after the restart when Messi set up Nicolas Otamendi in the 48th minute.
Messi was again instrumental in the second goal, assisting Nico Paz, who scored with a curling finish to double the lead.
The 39-year-old completed the scoring from the penalty spot, calmly converting to make it 3-0 and provide a fitting end to his final appearance.
As the final whistle blew, Messi embraced his teammates on the pitch while supporters filled the stadium with chants and applause, marking an emotional conclusion to an era in which he helped transform Argentina’s fortunes on the international stage.
TNM
