Lionel Messi penned an emotional tribute to the people of Argentina as he prepares to represent the national team for one final time in Buenos Aires.
Messi confirmed in August that he would draw the curtain on his stellar international career, following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in this summer's World Cup final.
The 39-year-old will make his 208th cap in a friendly against Benin. No player in Argentina's history has represented their country more times than Messi.
During his international career, which started in 2005, Messi has gone on to score 125 goals for Argentina, at least 69 more than second-placed Gabriel Batistuta.
He led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, while he has also won two Copa Americas and the Finalissima in that time.
Messi was included in a 28-man squad list published by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for home friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin during this international break, with it later confirmed Messi would only be present for the clash with Benin at Estadio Monumental.
And ahead of his goodbye, Messi paid tribute to the Argentina supporters.
"The moment has arrived. I leave in peace. I gave it my all. This shirt was my dream, my pride, and my life for years," Messi said.
"Thank you for loving me so much, thank you for your support. I will always carry you with me."
No player has directly contributed to more goals at the World Cup on record (since 1966) than Messi (33 – 21 goals and 12 assists), who has also featured in the most games at the finals (34) and most editions (six, level with Cristiano Ronaldo).
Messi's 12 assists in the competition are also the most of any player, while only Kylian Mbappe (22) has netted more often, though the Inter Miami star was the first to surpass Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 this summer.
But the post-Messi era has begun strongly, with Argentina beating Bolivia 4-0 and Burkina Faso 7-0 across their two friendlies so far.
Dihaciknyz
0
CR7 anger towards his coach is trending more than someone retire plan and match 😂😂😂🤗
Cristiano and his fans are same,celebrating mediocrity, shamelessly shameless, so immature and dull. Adults thinking and behaving like a baby, Somebody is 42 yrs old kid
Ade9ja
1
I don't know if i would be able to hold my tears when i start watching him against benin republic
Dihaciknyz
0
I've boarded my flight to Argentina just to see Messi and tell him CR7 is, gas and will always be better than him and that CR7 is the GOAT
You better go to Portugal first to convince Portugal coach and Cristiano teammates who put your goat on the bench before chasing him out of the camp for saying same thing you are saying.
marialauoti
1
I've boarded my flight to Argentina just to see Messi and tell him CR7 is, gas and will always be better than him and that CR7 is the GOAT
marialauoti
1
CR7 anger towards his coach is trending more than someone retire plan and match 😂😂😂🤗
koucklmnp
2
my dream is to meet ronaldo and tell him messi is better than him
Fekaikstu
0
Messi we shall forever remember u.thaank u thaaaan u
malablata
0
How many times will he deliver farewell speech? Very indecisive. Get out of here Mr. Forever Retiree.
wisbcemprt
1
One left in peace while the other left in pieces also shattering his plastic fans in 1000000 pieces 🤣🤣🤣
yeeceprtz
0
😭😭😭😢😢 I'M EMOTIONALLY CRYING, MY HEART IS MELTING, I'M REALLY SORRY FOR THOSE WHO DIDN'T FIND OUT WHO MESSI REALLY IS, BECAUSE OF RONALDO 😢😢, THEY WILL FIND IN HIS RETIRING TIME, JUST LIKE JESUS, AFTER CRUCIFIED HIM THAT MANY FOUND OUT HE IS THE SAVIOR. MESSI IS FOOTBALL DICTIONARY. THANK YOU LEO, THANK FOR EVERYTHING 💔💔😢🙏🏻🥰💓
Jesus was not crucified you idiot don't comment nonsense again , he was and is alive .
Messi4everGOAT
3
All good things must come to an end...and so the time has come for our Legend and our GOAT to say farewell to all of Argentina and to all of his fans. Thank you Leo.
Meeikmpuz
4
😭😭😭😢😢 I'M EMOTIONALLY CRYING, MY HEART IS MELTING, I'M REALLY SORRY FOR THOSE WHO DIDN'T FIND OUT WHO MESSI REALLY IS, BECAUSE OF RONALDO 😢😢, THEY WILL FIND IN HIS RETIRING TIME, JUST LIKE JESUS, AFTER CRUCIFIED HIM THAT MANY FOUND OUT HE IS THE SAVIOR. MESSI IS FOOTBALL DICTIONARY. THANK YOU LEO, THANK FOR EVERYTHING 💔💔😢🙏🏻🥰💓
Dihaciknyz
2
Messi is a true and pure demonstration of God's awesomeness and perfection. Messi is the best thing Tha happened to football,Messi is a gift from God.
roeaklrtu
1
Messi will come from Argentina now
Edooo87
1
its Historical match