Neymar Jr paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina great played his final international match, describing it as an honour to have shared the pitch and made history with one of football’s greatest stars.Messi brought down the curtain on his Argentina career with a memorable performance in front of 85,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, scoring a penalty and setting up two goals in a 3-0 win over Benin.The 39-year-old, who announced on August 31 that his time with Argentina was coming to an end, finished his international career with 208 appearances, 126 goals, a World Cup title and two Copa América triumphs.Neymar, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, took to social media to mark the occasion.“Anyone who loves football has enjoyed you throughout all these years…Today is your final game wearing the shirt of your national team, your country, and I hope you enjoy every second of it and that all the tributes today make you happy,” posted Neymar.The Brazil star said Messi’s influence went far beyond Argentina and thanked his former teammate for making him appreciate football even more.“It is not only Argentina that thanks you; the whole world thanks you for everything you’ve done for football. Thank you for making me love football even more. It was an honour to have played against you, and even more so to have made history alongside you,” he signed off.
Messi signs off with a gala performance
Messi ensured his farewell was worthy of the occasion. He played a role in all three goals as Argentina celebrated a 3-0 victory.Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute after connecting with a corner taken by Messi. The Argentine captain then set up Nicolás Paz for the second goal in the 61st minute before converting a left-foot penalty into the top corner 10 minutes later.The crowd repeatedly broke into chants of “Olé, olé, Messi” as the captain soaked in the occasion.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi waves during his final appearance for the national team (AP Photo)
The match was also briefly stopped 10 minutes after kick-off so Messi could receive a special tribute. Teammates and rivals approached him as the 85,000-strong crowd rose for a standing ovation, with Messi raising his hand in acknowledgement.He wore a special-edition Argentina jersey featuring wider vertical stripes, a giant sun and a golden No. 10 on the back. The design also carried a goat’s horns, a reference to his status as the “GOAT”.After the final whistle, Messi addressed the fans from the centre of the pitch.“It was a source of great pride to wear this jersey for over 20 years,” Messi told the crowd. “I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all. I would love to keep coming back forever, because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”He also promised to remain close to the team even after his playing days with Argentina end.“I’m going to miss you all. Now I’ll be on your side, supporting the national team and the guys who come next,” Messi said. “When we’re united, we’re stronger than anyone and can overcome anything. Tough times lie ahead, because what this group achieved won’t be easy to repeat.”
From heartbreak to World Cup glory
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and endured years of disappointment with the national team before finally reaching the summit at the 2022 World Cup.The triumph in Qatar completed the major missing piece of his international career and cemented his status as a national hero, following the legacy of Diego Maradona.His journey with Argentina included two Copa América titles and six World Cup appearances. At the latest World Cup, he came close to another title, with Argentina losing 1-0 to Spain in the final. Messi still finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists.He remains the only footballer to have won the Ballon d’Or eight times and has again entered the conversation for the award.Messi’s farewell was an emotional affair from the outset. Accompanied by his sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, he became visibly emotional during the Argentine national anthem, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez put an arm around him.Before taking his final victory lap, Messi left the Argentine squad with one final message.“We need to build a strong, united group because there are people who want the national team to fail, and we shouldn’t give them the satisfaction.”Earlier in the day, Messi was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires. The honour was presented at the national team’s training complex in Ezeiza in recognition of his achievements with Argentina and his influence on and off the pitch.
