Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” on Tuesday after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin.
Messi, who scored a goal and provided two assists in the victory at the Monumental Stadium, took to the field after the win to express gratitude to fans and team-mates as he reflected on his 21-year career with Argentina.
Messi, playing in his record-extending 208th international, also provided the assist for the opening goal scored by veteran Nicolas Otamendi, with Nico Paz also scoring.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi told the stadium.
“Even in the worst moments we went through and that I had, I never stopped fighting, never stopped being here.
“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
Messi said that returning to the Monumental — where Argentina played their first game after winning the 2022 World Cup — was bittersweet.
