Lionel Messi ended his illustrious international career with a 3-0 victory against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, drawing warm public praise from longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo for a tenure with the Argentina national team.
The 39-year-old forward marked his 208th and final appearance in the blue-and-white shirt during the night fixture, contributing a goal and two assists to cap off a career that spans over two decades, according to reporting by NOS. Following the match, which drew a capacity crowd of 85,000 supporters, Messi shared an emotional statement via Instagram reflecting on his journey, his family’s support, and his gratitude toward past teammates and coaches.
Cristiano Ronaldo Praises Historic Legacy
Among the first to respond to Messi’s announcement was Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, who left a public message under his former rival’s social media post. “Leo, after defending your land for so many years, you have written history that will live on forever,” Ronaldo wrote, adding that he holds the “greatest respect” for what Messi achieved with Argentina.
The public exchange highlights a mutual acknowledgment between two generational talents. While their rivalry defined club competitions in Europe and individual award ceremonies, the closing chapter of Messi’s international career prompted a direct expression of respect from his most prominent contemporary peer.
Estadio Monumental Bids Farewell to Number 10
The farewell match in Buenos Aires featured extensive celebrations organized by the national team’s governing body. NOS reported that thousands of fans lined the streets outside the venue, welcoming the team bus with light-blue and white flares. Messi wore a specially designed kit featuring his own logo and a gold-printed number 10, while members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad attended the event as invited guests.
During his post-match speech on the pitch, Messi addressed the crowd while visibly emotional, speaking about his late father, Jorge Messi, who passed away in early August and had long supported his career. “I have given everything,” Messi told the stadium audience, thanking supporters, his family, and his teammates for standing by him through both difficult moments and major triumphs.
Reflecting on Four Lost Finals and World Cup Glory
NRC reported on the broader arc of Messi’s international career, noting the heavy expectations that accompanied him as the successor to Diego Maradona. Early in his career, Messi moved to Spain at age 13 to join the FC Barcelona academy, but his path with the senior national team involved considerable heartbreak before ultimate success.
Before capturing the Copa América in 2021 and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, Messi endured four major final defeats with Argentina: the 2007 Copa América, the 2014 World Cup final against Germany, and consecutive Copa América losses to Chile in 2015 and 2016. Those losses prompted a brief international retirement in 2016 before he returned to eventually lead his country to continental and global titles.
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Future Plans After International Retirement
With his international career concluded, attention has turned toward Messi’s long-term future in football. Puna.nl reported that British bookmaker William Hill listed odds on potential managerial roles, though Messi has repeatedly stated in past interviews that he does not envision himself working as a head coach.
Instead, Messi remains under contract with MLS club Inter Miami through the end of 2028 and has expanded his involvement in club administration by becoming an owner of Spanish lower-league side Eldense. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni, whose own contract runs through the end of the year, stated that discussions regarding a potential extension with the Argentine Football Association remain ongoing ahead of future international cycles.
