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Lionel Messi’s last dance ends in a poetic victory as Argentina bids farewell to the greatest ever
Lionel Messi bowed out from the national team with a 3-0 victory over Benin, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 21-year journey with the nation he spent so long trying to lead back to the top of world football and succeeded in doing so, and now La Pulga’s international career has come to a poetic end.
Argentina scored their first goal after the first half, and Messi found Nicolas Otamendi from his corner kick, who slotted it into the net.
A memorable goal for Otamendi, as it was his farewell game alongside Messi too.
The game was halted in the 10th minute as a tribute to the little magician, and even the Benin players came and shook hands with Messi, embracing the occasion.
Messi played his part in the victory before finding the net himself from the penalty spot, adding another goal to an international record that may never be matched.
He also assisted Nico Paz for the second goal, a poetic moment as the youngster is set to take over Messi's no. 10 shirt next for La Albiceleste.
For years, Messi’s relationship with Argentina was defined by heartbreak and criticism.
Three consecutive major-final defeats between 2014 and 2016 saw him face relentless criticism, while his brief international retirement in 2016 appeared to signal the end of his journey with the Albiceleste.
However, it became the beginning of Argentina’s greatest era.
Messi eventually lifted the Copa América in 2021, followed it with the Finalissima in 2022, and then achieved the one prize that had eluded him throughout his career, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The player who was once mocked for failing Argentina became the symbol of a generation that finally delivered the country its greatest prize after a long wait of 36 years.
Now, at 39, Messi walks away with all international accolades possible: its record number of appearances and its all-time scoring record.
More importantly, he leaves having completed the journey that once seemed impossible.
There will be no more World Cup miracles from Messi as the little magician finally leaves the field to make space for the young generation to rise and lead the Albiceleste.
"I have nothing left but to give thanks; it was a privilege for me to represent this jersey for 20 years," Messi said in his farewell speech. (sic)
"Even in the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, giving my all, and wanting to always be here. Not coming back anymore will be a huge pain; I'd love to come forever because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen.” (sic)
"Always playing to a full house, that's beautiful. The people are making a huge effort; thanks to you, we are always the home team everywhere.” (sic)
“I thank my teammates for this time that I got to share with this group. They made me fulfill my childhood dream of being a world champion of Copa América and of Finalísima. I knew I was surrounded by warriors who gave their lives.” (sic)
"It has been proven beyond a doubt that when we are united, we are stronger than anyone and we overcome anything. There are people who want to see the national team do poorly, and we shouldn't give them that satisfaction, which is why we must stay united.” (sic)
He concluded his farewell speech by saying, "I'm talking more than ever because I don't want to leave this place, I don't want to leave the pitch. I just want to tell you that I love you, that I'm going to miss you, and that I'm proud to have fulfilled a dream alongside all of you.” (sic)
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