◆1 source
Jeroen Kapteijns said it was a privilege to have seen Lionel Messi play live. He recalled that, as a football fan, he had seen the most beautiful actions and famous goals by Johan Cruijff, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Diego Maradona in his memory, but had not seen them play with his own eyes.
11 sources
Lionel Messi played his 208th and final international for Argentina in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the sold-out Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old scored once, from a penalty, and provided two assists before Argentina’s farewell ceremony for him in front of about 85,000 spectators. Reports described him as emotional during the national anthem, while the occasion also included fireworks and a drone display.
1 source
Lionel Messi was given an international farewell during a friendly match between Argentina and Benin. He was honored with tears, fireworks and tributes after what was described as his final appearance in Argentina’s blue and white. He was described as the most decorated footballer ever, with 47 football awards, and as the best footballer in the world. His relationship with Argentina’s national team was characterized as erratic before he became a football hero, following his rise at FC Barcelona and the early recognition of his talent in the club’s youth academy.
1 source
Lionel Messi ended his international career for Argentina. Cristiano Ronaldo had also temporarily stopped playing for Portugal after leaving the national team angrily. The discussion focused on whether Messi’s farewell meant international football had lost its biggest player and whether he was the best footballer of all time.