Lionel Messi’s final game for Argentina could not have gone any better, with the 39-year-old legendary captain involved in all the goals against Benin in Buenos Aires.
Messi scored a penalty and assisted two goals in his 208th appearence for Argentina, signing off what has been an incredible international career in style in a 3-0 win at a Estadio Mâs Monumental packed to the brim.
It took the South Americans until the second half to score. At the 48th minute mark, Messi delivered a precise corner kick that defender Nicolas Otamendi smashed into the net to open the score sheet. In the 61st minute, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner cut inside from the right side of the pitch and delivered a short pass to Nico Paz. The substitute made no mistake, controlling the ball and curling a left-footed strike into the net.
Ten minutes later, the legend emphatically fired a penalty kick into the roof of the net to put the icing on the cake in what has been an out-of-this-world international career.
And it is not just about the assists… throughout the game, Messi teared up Benin in multiple occassions, in a game that saw a country honour one of its ‘gallant soldiers’ with a pre and post-game ceremonies.
It will be a long time before any Argentinian comes close to touching his record.
‘I don’t want to leave’
In the end, Messi headed down the tunnel with his wife and children, flanked by his teammates. One goal, two assists. The perfect send off.
But this, of course, was not before he delivered one final speech, which was emotional to say the least.
“I don’t want to leave this place. I don’t want to leave the field.
“I love all of you, and I will miss all of you. I am proud to be Argentinian.
“I’m proud to have completed the dream.”
“The first night we played after the World Cup is a day I’ll never forget. I still watch videos of it and get emotional.
“This may be the saddest day of my career, leaving the national team.
“But I’ll be here supporting whoever comes next.
“When we are united we are stronger than anyone else.”
“I want to thanks all of my teammates. You made all of my dreams come true.
“The World Cup, the Copa America, the Finalissima.
“I was surrounded by warriors. I’m going to miss this.
“I want to thank you all. Wherever I went, the stadium was always packed. It felt like we played at home everywhere.”
“We gave everything at the World Cup. The game against England was huge for us.
“We fought with all of our power. We fought all of our lives.
“Have no doubt that we always gave everything for this shirt.”
“My dad is the first person I think about tonight.
“I can only thank you all. It has been a huge pride to defend this shirt for over 20 years. We never stopped fighting, never stopped giving everything.
“Playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing.”
