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Messi retirement: drone display of Messi holding the World Cup trophy over a packed Monumental Stadium
A drone display showing Lionel Messi holding the World Cup trophy hovers over the Monumental Stadium during his Argentina farewell. AI Generated

Messi Retirement: Emotional Argentina Farewell | Shyok Times

Messi Retirement: 3-0 Win & Emotional Goodbye From Argentina Farewell

The Messi retirement from international football became official on Tuesday night. Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina, a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium, and later called it the "saddest day of my career."

The 39-year-old scored once from the penalty spot and set up two other goals. The night was a farewell to a 21-year national team career that included a World Cup, two Copa América titles and a Finalissima.

What Happened in Messi's Final Argentina Match?

Argentina beat a heavily outmatched Benin side 3-0 before a crowd reported at between 80,000 and 85,000. Messi's goal was a penalty, and his two assists drew the loudest cheers of the evening.

 


After the final whistle, he walked the pitch, thanked supporters and spoke to the crowd. Benin players reportedly queued for selfies with him, a familiar scene at his matches.

Emotional Moments From the Messi Retirement Night

1. "The saddest day of my career"

Messi told the stadium it had been a huge source of pride to defend the shirt for over 20 years. He said that "not coming anymore" would be deeply painful and that he would happily play for the national team all his life.

 


2. A promise to stay close

Messi said he would now be "on that side," supporting the squad from among the fans. He stressed that the team should remain united.

3. Scaloni in tears

Coach Lionel Scaloni, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup with Messi as captain, cried during the national anthem. He said there would never be another player like him and that coaching Messi was beyond his wildest dreams. "I owe him a debt of eternal gratitude," Scaloni said.

4. A drone show that went wrong

 


The evening had one awkward moment. A drone display lit up the sky, and fans expected a No. 10 or a football. Instead the drones formed a bank's logo, and the crowd booed loudly. They cheered a minute later when the drones finally formed a Messi shirt.

5. Ronaldo's message

 


Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi's long-time rival, paid tribute on Instagram. "All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina. A hug," the Portugal captain wrote. Ronaldo, 41, is separately in a dispute with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus after leaving the national team's training camp.

Why Did Messi Retire From Argentina Now?

Messi said he had no regrets about the timing. He pointed to the toll of this year's World Cup, where Argentina reached the final after a 2-1 semi-final win over England, then lost to Spain.

"The last World Cup was too much, everything I had to live through," he said. He added that the England match took a heavy physical and emotional toll and that the team "arrived with just enough."

 


The year was also painful off the pitch. Messi's father and agent, Jorge, died in August.

In an Instagram post the next day, Messi wrote that he already missed the blue and white shirt but knew it was the right decision. He thanked Diego Maradona, who he said helped the team "from heaven," and his clubs for releasing him for national duty.


Messi's Argentina Career in Numbers

  • Years with Argentina: 21
  • Major titles: 2022 World Cup, Copa América 2021 and 2024, 2022 Finalissima
  • Final match: 3-0 vs Benin (1 goal, 2 assists)
  • Current club: Inter Miami
What Happens Next for Argentina?

Scaloni said the only way to make up for Messi's absence is a strong collective, with every player contributing. He called Messi's legacy "unbelievable" and said his focus now turns to building life without the team's talisman.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Messi Retirement

Has Messi retired from Argentina?
Yes. Messi played his last international match on Tuesday, a 3-0 win over Benin, and confirmed he is leaving the national team.

 


How old is Messi?
He is 39.

Did Messi retire from club football too?
No. The announcement concerns international football only. He plays for Inter Miami.

What did Ronaldo say about Messi's retirement?
Ronaldo wrote on Instagram that Messi had made history that will last forever and that he had "all my respect" for what he achieved with Argentina.

Why did Messi retire?
He said the exertion of this year's World Cup run, where Argentina lost the final to Spain, and the emotional strain of the past months made this the right moment.

Final Word

The Messi retirement closes one of football's defining international careers. The evening was imperfect, with a mistimed advert and a lopsided opponent, but the tributes from Scaloni, Ronaldo and 80,000 supporters showed how Argentina and the wider football world see him.

External Resources (DoFollow):
Follow more on The Guardian: Lionel Messi bids Argentina adieu with goal & 2 assists
Read further at Yahoo Sports: Messi’s international farewell puts the spotlight on Ronaldo
Keep reading via DAWN: Messi says retirement is 'saddest day of my career'

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