Messi Scores and Speaks in Final Argentina Match
Lionel Messi ended his international career with Argentina by recording a goal and two assists in a 3–0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, concluding a run of 208 appearances and 126 goals for the national team. Playing in front of a capacity crowd of nearly 85,000 fans, the 39-year-old forward addressed the supporters from the center circle in a speech lasting nearly ten minutes. He reflected on his journey, his family, and the significance of wearing the national colors for over two decades. The match marked the final chapter of a career that began in Budapest on August 17, 2005.
The Monumental Stadium celebration began with a spectacular fireworks display and the unveiling of an oversized jersey bearing the number 10 and the word Gracias!
(Thank You). Among the nearly 90,000 cheering fans filling the River Plate stadium, international supporters traveled vast distances to witness the farewell, including a female fan from Vietnam who flew for over 30 hours from Japan with her nine-year-old son, and an elderly supporter named José Luis who journeyed more than 1,000 km from the northern Chaco province with his children and grandchildren. Following the final whistle, teammate Enzo Fernandez—who once wrote a letter urging Messi to return to the national team after a previous retirement over a decade prior—was unable to hold back his tears alongside the emotional crowd and Messi himself.
Addressing the stadium in his speech, Messi stated: There is so much emotion inside me right now. First of all, my father came to my mind, and that I am grateful because it was a tremendous honor to wear this shirt for more than 20 years,
noting that his father passed away in August. He added: I always fought for the national team, I never gave up. I swear to you, if I could, I would play in this team forever, because the most wonderful thing is to play football in the shirt of Argentina.
Ronaldo Responds to Messi Instagram Farewell Message
The day following the match, Messi published a personal message on Instagram stating that the light blue and white jersey was already missed. In his statement, he thanked his family, teammates, coaching staff, and Diego Maradona, while acknowledging the support of his clubs and the divine guidance that shaped his path. Shortly after the post appeared, Cristiano Ronaldo responded in Spanish with a message of respect. Ronaldo wrote that Messi’s years in the service of his country established a permanent legacy, offering an embrace and acknowledging everything achieved with Argentina.
Messi wrote in his post: Yesterday I played my last game and the light blue and white jersey is already missed. I know I am making the good decision. It has been an incredible journey, full of joy and some sadness too, but I am sure every step was worth it. And I still have so much to say. It is impossible to express in a few words or a single post everything I feel. This journey would have been impossible without my family, who always stood by me and endured with me, especially in the difficult moments when I needed it most. My friends, every teammate and coach, along with their staff, were indispensable. I do not want to forget Diego either, who lifted our country where it belongs, and who—as I always say—I know helped us while he was here with us, and from heaven, at every step we took. Thank you to the clubs where I played for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country when we had to wear the national team jersey. And of course thank God: without His guidance and will we wouldn’t even dream of getting this far. I am grateful. I love you very much, you will be missed, and I will always thank you for being by our side, by my side.
Reacting in the comments, Ronaldo wrote: Leo, so many years in the service of your country, and a story that will remain forever. All my respect for what you achieved with Argentina. An embrace.
Match Statistics and Historical Milestones in Buenos Aires
The fixture remained scoreless at halftime before Argentina secured the 3–0 win in the second half. Messi provided an assist to Nicolas Otamendi in the 48th minute and another to Nico Paz in the 61st minute, before converting a penalty kick in the 71st minute against Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbé. The milestone capped a career that included a 2022 FIFA World Cup title, runner-up finishes in 2014 and 2024, and Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024. Thousands of supporters traveled internationally to witness the farewell, including fans who flew from Japan and across Argentina to fill the River Plate stadium for the final appearance.
Barcelona Funds Messi Growth Hormone Treatment
Before achieving international stardom, Messi underwent a multi-year growth hormone deficiency treatment during his childhood in Rosario. The treatment began after endocrinologist Diego Schwarzstein diagnosed the condition when Messi was ten years old while playing in the Newell’s Old Boys youth system. The daily injections, which cost between $1,200 and $1,500 monthly, were initially funded by his family and mutual insurance before FC Barcelona assumed the financial responsibility when Messi moved to Spain at age 13 to join the La Masia academy. Observers note that the medical therapy corrected a hormone deficiency rather than acting as athletic enhancement, setting the stage for his development at the club level.
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