Martínez revisits his retirement decision and describes Messi’s farewell

Emiliano Martínez has revisited his decision to retire and described the preparations for Lionel Messi’s farewell. Argentina’s players wanted to give their captain a special welcome, with celebrations already under way within the national team.

Messi arrived at camp on Sunday evening. The farewells began with a barbecue at the team’s residence, Martínez explained. The Argentina goalkeeper kept his promise by posting a video on his social media accounts on Sunday evening, showing players getting ready for the meal that opened the celebrations.

“We’ll try to hug him during the little time he has left with us,” Martínez said. He also spoke of wanting to “cherish him” and make sure Messi enjoys the moment as much as possible, surrounded by affection and happy.

Messi is due to play his final match in an Argentina shirt on Tuesday morning against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The Chelsea goalkeeper also discussed the difficult period after the World Cup final defeat. “The pain stayed with me for a long time,” he said, explaining that changing clubs helped ease it. He now says he feels well and full of energy, determined to represent his country and family in the best way he can.