Messi says goodbye to the national team, but vows not to leave it behind

“I will not leave the national team,” Messi said on the night of his final appearance in its colours. After the match against Benin ended, Lionel Messi took the microphone in front of the supporters to say goodbye. He described an emotional evening, with memories of many years accompanying this moment of parting.

“I felt a lot of emotions, and the first person I think of is my father,” he said. Messi also spoke of the immense pride he had felt in representing the national team over all those years.

The captain reflected on the hardships he had faced and his determination: “Even in the most difficult moments, I never gave up. I always fought and gave the best of myself.” He added that he had always wanted to play for the national team all his life, saying that representing Argentina was “the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”

Speaking about the last World Cup, Messi said the experience had affected the team deeply and that their dream had been to become world champions. “We gave everything, we fought as we always did and defended these colours with all our strength,” he said. He thanked his teammates, who, in his words, had helped him fulfil his childhood dream, and recalled the affection he had received in different parts of the country.

Messi called this day one of the saddest of his life, while remembering one of the finest moments of his career. But leaving the international stage does not mean turning his back on the national team. “I will always be by the national team’s side and I will not leave it. I will defend its colours from my new position and support these players,” he said.

He also paid tribute to the group that had shared his journey, saying difficult times had revealed its exceptional spirit. “I am grateful to be Argentine, proud to be Argentine and proud to have achieved these dreams with you.” He ended by addressing the supporters: “I love you. I love you.”