The legendary name of Argentine football, Lionel Messi, concluded his national team career with a friendly match played in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old star wore the national jersey for the last time in the match where Argentina defeated Benin 3-0.
A dense farewell atmosphere formed for Messi before the match, which was played at the 85,000-capacity Monumental Stadium. In the match where tickets sold out shortly after going on sale, the stands gave the Argentine star a standing ovation when the game was paused in the 10th minute.
Messi also contributed directly to the score in his farewell match. The star footballer, who provided two assists in the match that Argentina won 3-0, scored his final goal for the national team from a penalty in the 71st minute. Following the match, drone and light shows were held in the stadium.
207 MATCHES IN A 21-YEAR CAREER
Messi, who first wore the Argentina jersey in 2005 in Budapest, played 207 matches and scored 125 goals in his 21-year national team career. Messi, who was criticized for a large part of his career for not winning a trophy with the national team, has carried Argentina to the center of major successes in recent years.
Under Messi's leadership, Argentina ended its 28-year trophy drought by winning the Copa America in 2021. The championship that came in the 2022 World Cup allowed the country to return to the pinnacle of world football after 36 years.
"The moment has arrived. I leave in peace. I gave everything I had. This jersey has been my dream, my pride, and my life for years. Thank you for loving me so much and for your support. I will always carry you with me."
The Argentine Football Association's desire to retire the number 10 jersey after Messi will not be applicable due to FIFA rules. Since teams are required to use jersey numbers from 1 to 26 in their squads for official tournaments, Argentina will not be able to permanently remove the number 10 from use.
Argentina had previously wanted to retire the number 10 jersey for Diego Maradona as well, but this plan could not be implemented due to the same rule.
News Source: 12punto
