Legendary footballer and Argentina captain Lionel Messi recorded a video message to fans ahead of his final match in the national team. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The message was published on Instagram by adidas Football. The 39-year-old forward thanked the fans for their support and stated that he is leaving the national team with a sense of a duty fulfilled.
«The moment has come. I leave in peace, I gave everything. This shirt was my dream, my pride and my life for many years. Thank you for loving me so much. Thank you for your support,» Messi said.
The legendary No. 10 is playing his last match for «La Albiceleste» in Buenos Aires at the «Monumental» stadium against the Benin national team.
View this post on Instagram. A post shared by adidas Football (@adidasfootball).
Recall that Messi made the final decision to end his international career after the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain. At the end of August he published an official letter about his departure, and in October he arrived in Buenos Aires for his farewell match.
Over more than 20 years in the national team (debut in 2005), Messi played a record 207 matches and scored 125 goals. He leaves as a world champion (2022), a two-time Copa America winner (2021, 2024), a Finalissima winner (2022) and an Olympic champion (2008).
At the same time, Messi is not fully ending his club career and will continue to play in MLS for the American club «Inter Miami».
Earlier, «Kursiv» wrote that another equally legendary footballer, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, made a statement. He explained the reasons for his scandalous departure from the Portugal national team's camp.