Messi bids goodbye to Argentina, honours Maradona and late dad

Buenos Aires – Lionel Messi gave his final bow for the Argentina national team on Thursday night at the Monumental Stadium. The 39‑year‑old scored the third goal in a 3‑0 win over Benin and set up two more, assisting Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolás Paz. After the match Messi walked to the centre of the pitch and faced the crowd. He spoke in a low voice, eyes glistening, and thanked the fans for the support they gave him over more than two decades.

The biggest emotion for Messi was his late father, Jorge Messi, who passed away in August. “It’s very difficult to say something today, there are many emotions. The first thing I think about is my old man,” he said. He also paid homage to Diego Maradona, the Argentine legend who died in 2022. Messi called Maradona “a god for our nation” and said his memory will stay alive in every Argentinian heart.

The game itself was a showcase of Messi’s class. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing a quick counter‑attack. Later, he delivered a pinpoint cross for Otamendi’s header in the 57th minute and a clever through‑ball to Paz for the final goal in the 78th minute. The win took Argentina’s World Cup qualifying campaign to 19 points from eight matches.

In his farewell speech Messi recalled his first cap in 2005, the 2008 Olympic gold, the 2021 Copa America triumph and the 2022 World Cup victory. He said the decision to quit international football was painful but the right moment for him and the team. Messi left the field to a standing ovation, with fans chanting his name and waving blue and white flags.

Messi finishes his Argentina career with 208 caps and 126 goals, the highest tally in the country’s history. He joins a short list of players who have made over 200 appearances for their national side. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed the statistics and thanked Messi for his contribution to the sport.

Nigerian fans also took to social media to celebrate the legend. On Twitter many used #MessiFarewell to share clips and messages. Local sports blogger Segun Olayinka wrote that Messi’s humility and work ethic are lessons for Nigerian youths. The farewell marks the end of an era for Argentine football. The next generation, led by Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, will now carry the hopes of the nation. For now, the world watches as one of the greatest players ever steps away from the blue shirt.