Lionel Messi's final message to fans at farewell match: "Playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you"
Messi spoke about his father, his final FIFA World Cup, and all of the people who helped him along the way.
The day that no Argentinian ever wanted to come, has finally come. Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina national team . On Tuesday night, Argentina played against Benin and won 3-0 , with Messi delivering a goal and two assists .
Even before the match, it was a festival. Singers got the party started hours before kickoff, then it continued once the final whistle blew. Once the show was done, Messi took the microphone for himself in order to say goodbye to the fans who made the trip to El Monumental .
Lionel Messi spoke directly to fans after farewell match with Argentina
Messi admitted that the first thought that came into his mind was his father , who sadly passed away in August. His father's death was a part of the reason Messi decided to retire from the national team at this point in time.
" I have nothing left but to be grateful, it was a huge honor to wear this jersey for more than 20 years. I never stopped fighting, giving my all. I promise you I would love to come here for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you. I feel that it's the right time [to retire]. We were close to completing the dream of being World champions again. We gave everything. "
Messi then made sure to call out his teammates, both present and past. The group he helped cultivate will continue without him, and Messi will be cheering them on like every other fan.
" Today I say goodbye to all of you. I'm going to miss defending the colors of the national team, but I will always be supporting these kids and all of the ones that come after. Always united. It was left clear that when we are together, we are stronger than everyone else. To achieve important things you must form united groups. In the tough times is when those groups show up. We had an extraordinary group and that's why we achieved everything we did ."
Messi then left one final message for everyone: " I'm grateful to God for being Argentinian, proud of being Argentinian. Thank you all. I love you ."
