Buenos Aires is preparing to mark Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, with a friendly against Benin at the Monumental set to close an international chapter that has shaped football far beyond his homeland.
Hours before the match, Neymar sent a public message to his former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain teammate, describing Messi’s farewell as an occasion for Argentina and the wider game.
Quick facts
- Messi is due to play his final match for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.
- Neymar published a tribute shortly before the friendly.
- The two players were teammates at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Neymar said the football world, not only Argentina, owes Messi gratitude.
Neymar wrote that everyone who loves football has enjoyed watching Messi over the years. He said he hoped his friend would savour every moment of his last outing in Argentina colours and be happy with the tributes planned for the occasion.
“Today is your last game wearing the shirt of your national team, your country,” Neymar said, adding that he hoped Messi would enjoy each second of it.
The Brazilian also reflected on their shared years at club level, when they first joined forces in Barcelona before later reuniting in Paris. “It was an honour to have played against you, and even more so to have made history alongside you,” he wrote.
Neymar closed his message with a broad salute to Messi’s influence: Argentina is thankful, he said, but so is the entire football world. “Thank you for making me love football even more. Thank you, Leo Messi.”
