Lionel Messi fought back tears as he addressed Argentina supporters for the final time after bringing his international career to an end against Benin at the Estadio Monumental.
Messi took the microphone after the match and the farewell tributes. He had just signed off with a goal and two assists in Argentina’s 3-0 win.
The 39 year old struggled to contain his emotions at times. His first thoughts went to his father before he thanked the supporters and reflected on more than two decades in the Argentina shirt.
“The truth is, it is difficult to say anything today. There are many emotions, so many things are crossing my mind. Obviously, the first thing I think about is my dad,” Messi said.
He then spoke about what wearing the Argentina shirt had meant to him. Messi said he continued fighting for the national team even during the most difficult years.
“It was a very great source of pride for me to defend this jersey during all these more than 20 years. Even in the worst moments that we went through and that I had, I never stopped fighting, battling, giving my maximum, always wanting to be here.”
Messi admitted walking away would leave a huge hole in his life.
“Not coming anymore is going to be a very great pain. I swear to you all that I would like to come for the rest of my life because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
But Messi knew the time had come.
“Although I want to be here for the rest of my life, I feel that it is the moment. The last World Cup was already too much in everything I had to live through. We had the dream of fulfilling my dream and that of the whole country to become world champions again.”
The Argentine legend also defended his teammates after Argentina fell short in the most recent World Cup final.
“We gave everything. The match against England was a very big physical drain for us, at the level of legs, at an emotional level. We fought for it like we always did, like we did with this jersey.”
“Have no doubt that all the teammates I had by my side always left everything for this jersey, always.”
Messi then turned to the teammates who helped him achieve the dream that had followed him throughout his career.
“I thank my teammates obviously for this time that I got to share with this group, who made me fulfil my childhood dream, who made me a world champion, champion of America, Finalissima, and everything we played.”
“It was a huge pride for me to share the pitch and off the pitch with all of them. It was going out to compete against anyone because I knew I had warriors beside me who gave their lives.”
Messi also thanked the supporters who followed Argentina around the world.
“Wherever I went, the stadium was always full, whatever the match was. They were everywhere making a huge effort because we know how difficult it is to be at the stadium, travel to World Cups, travel to Copa America. We are always playing at home everywhere. And we feel that.”
The Monumental itself holds a special place in Messi’s memories. He recalled Argentina’s first home match after becoming world champions and called it one of the happiest moments of his career.
“Having experienced what I experienced that day, I will never forget it ever again. It was the most beautiful thing that happened to me.”
The same stadium now provided a very different memory.
“Today, back here again, it is surely my turn to experience the saddest day of my career, which is where I say goodbye to the national team, goodbye to all of you.”
Messi said he would now become another supporter of the national team.
“I’m going to miss you, I’m going to miss defending the colours of the national team. But now I’m going to be on that side, with all of you, supporting all these guys and everyone who comes.”
Before finishing, Messi had one final message about Argentina’s future. He asked supporters to stay behind the team when difficult periods arrive.
“Hard times will come, for sure, because what was done all this time is not normal. And in those hard times, we have to be there supporting more than ever.”
“To achieve big goals, you have to build a strong group, you have to build a united group. Hard times, difficult moments, are when you really see the group.”
As his speech reached its end, Messi admitted he was finding it difficult to walk away from the pitch.
“The truth is I’m talking more than ever. Truth is I don’t want to leave here, I don’t want to leave the pitch.”
He then delivered his final words as an Argentina international.
“Just to tell you that I love you, I’m going to miss you, and I am grateful to God to be Argentine, proud to be Argentine and to have fulfilled the dream with all of you. Thank you very much, I love you.”
