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Lionel Messi Reflects on Retirement from Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, expressing deep emotions during his farewell address at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

8 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Lionel Messi Reflects on Retirement from Argentina National Team — Archive photoPhoto: Unknown author Unknown author · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, describing the occasion as the "saddest day of my career". The announcement came after his final match for Argentina, where he delivered a standout performance, scoring a goal and providing two assists in a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

In an emotional farewell speech, Messi reflected on his over 20 years of defending the Argentine national team jersey. He expressed gratitude to fans, teammates, and his family, noting the significance of representing his country on the international stage. In his address, he emphasized, "It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years," acknowledging the challenges and triumphs he faced during his career.

Reports indicate that Messi's departure was met with emotional reactions from both teammates and fans present at the match. The atmosphere was charged as he took the opportunity to share heartfelt sentiments, recalling the journey he undertook with the national team and the lasting memories created along the way.

Cristiano Ronaldo also paid tribute to Messi following the announcement of his retirement. He expressed his respect for Messi’s accomplishments with Argentina, honoring the legacy left behind by the iconic player. Ronaldo's message acknowledged the significance of their rivalry and capped off a notable sportsmanship moment between the two football legends.

Messi's contributions to football span over two decades, and on this occasion, he highlighted that, despite the difficulties encountered during his international career, he never stopped fighting for his country. In his farewell, Messi stated, "Even in the worst moments we went through and that I had, I never stopped fighting, never stopped being here," underlining his dedication and passion for the sport.

The farewell match was attended by more than 85,000 fans, who celebrated Messi's monumental impact and career. As he steps away from the international scene, the football community reflects on his remarkable achievements and the joy he brought to supporters around the world.

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