Sport · World News Bureau
Messi bids farewell to Argentina with final international appearance
Lionel Messi played his last match for Argentina on Wednesday, concluding a 21-year international career with the South American nation. The football icon featured in a friendly against Benin at a packed Buenos Aires stadium.
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Messi took the field for Argentina in what marks the end of an era for the country's national team, having represented his homeland since 2004. The match against Benin provided an opportunity for fans to pay tribute to one of football's greatest players as he transitioned away from international competition.
The 37-year-old's departure comes after leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar last year, cementing his legacy as one of sport's most decorated athletes. His two-decade tenure with the national squad saw him accumulate numerous records and accolades while becoming a symbol of Argentine football on the global stage.
The friendly fixture in the Argentine capital drew significant attention, with supporters gathering to acknowledge Messi's contributions to the national team. His retirement from international play follows a career that reshaped discussions around individual excellence and team success in modern football.
Messi will continue his club career, currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. His exit from international football concludes a chapter that defined an entire generation of Argentine supporters and players.