On Tuesday, October 6th, the Argentina national team will play a friendly match against the Benin team at the Monumental Stadium. This will be the farewell game for Argentina’s football superstar Lionel Messi in the national team. Fans express both sadness and gratitude.
On Sunday, October 4th, fans in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, lined up to collect tickets for Messi’s final game representing the national team. They anticipate a grand farewell on Tuesday.
Many of the fans waiting in line shared their sentiments with Reuters.
“I never thought this moment would come, having to witness Messi’s retirement with my own eyes,” said 37-year-old mechanic Diego Martin Odoguardi. “We hoped he would always wear the Argentina jersey on the field, but he has given his all for us. We can’t ask for more. He has brought us all joy, and there’s no need for further explanation.”
Regarding Messi’s farewell match, 58-year-old Viviana Brun, wiping tears away, said, “I will arrive early. I think it will be a celebration. Being able to witness his last appearance in the Argentina team jersey, I feel very honored. It’s really tough. I hope everyone can give him the best farewell.”
Paul Guerrero, a 29-year-old Venezuelan living in Argentina, said he expects Tuesday to be a poignant day. “Being able to live in this amazing country, being closer to Messi, I feel very fortunate. I don’t know how to describe this feeling. I think when the national anthem is sung or when he steps out for warm-up, I might cry. That moment will surely be incredible,” Guerrero said.
Another fan of Messi, Carolina Segui, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for all you have given us, thank you for becoming the greatest player in the world. Maradona was great for me, but I think Messi’s significance far surpasses that. So, really thank you.”
Messi is the player with the most appearances and goals in Argentina’s national team history, having led the team to victory in the 2022 World Cup, as well as the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31st, saying, “It’s a heart-wrenching decision, still causing me immense pain, but I understand it’s time. I have always given my all, not only during the years when we won all the honors but even before that. I have always fought for this shirt, to bring you joy, to make you proud as Argentinians through football.”