Buenos Aires woke to another farewell from Lionel Messi, who returned to Instagram one day after his final appearance for Argentina against Benin to reflect on the end of his international career.
Messi looks back on Argentina journey
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Messi confirmed that the previous day’s match had been his last in the Argentina shirt and said he was already missing the feeling of representing the Albiceleste.
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He said he believed retirement was the right choice after a journey that brought “great happiness” as well as difficult moments, adding that every step had been worthwhile.
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The forward said a short social-media post could not fully contain his emotions, describing the national-team chapter as something for which he still had much to say.
Thanks to family, teammates and Maradona
In his message, Messi placed his family at the centre of his long Argentina story, saying their support had been especially important during the hardest periods. He also thanked his friends, former teammates, coaches and their staff.
He made a particular mention of Diego Maradona, saying the late Argentina icon had helped lift the country to the place it deserved. Messi added that he felt Maradona had accompanied the team both in life and from above throughout their path.
The former Argentina captain also thanked every club he represented for respecting his attachment to the national side and allowing him to commit to his country whenever international duty arrived.
Closing the tribute, Messi expressed gratitude to God and said that, without divine guidance, Argentina would not even have imagined reaching this point. “I love you, I will miss you,” he wrote, thanking those who had stood beside the team and beside him personally.
