Lionel Messi thanked fans and former team-mates after bringing the curtain down on his international career with Argentina. The 39-year-old scored on his farewell against Benin and retires having won the World Cup in 2022 with his country.The Barcelona legend scored a record 126 Argentina goals and helped his country to lift the World Cup and two Copas America.He wioll continue to play for MLS side Inter Miami but has pulled on the famous blue and white jersey for the last time.Speaking on Instagram he said he already missed playing for his country and paid tribute to his nations other all-time great, Diego Maradona.Messis international farewell is in stark contrast to the chaos caused by rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.Ronaldo put forward his version of recent events last night, outlining his desire to continue playing for Portugal and also revealing details of a private meeting with coach Jorge Jesus at which they agreed the wording the coach would use at a press conference prior to the Denmark game.Messis statement in fullYesterday was my last game and I already miss wearing blue and white. I know Im making the right decision. It was an incredible road, filled with joys and also some sorrows, but Im clear that it was worth every step I took.And Im left with a lot to say. It is impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post. This trip would have been impossible without my family, who always stood by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult times, when I needed it most. They were also indispensable my friends, all the colleagues and technicians I had, along with their technical bodies. I dont want to forget Diego, who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know that he helped us being here with us and also from heaven, in every step we took.Thanks to the clubs I played in, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country when it was time to put on the national team shirt. And, of course, thank God: without His guidance and His will, we wouldnt even be dreaming of having come this far.I am a grateful person. I love you so much, I will miss you and I will always thank you for being by our side, by my side. Topics Argentina National Football Team Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Jorge Jesus reacts to Cristiano Ronaldos statement as 41-year-old comes under fire from former Portugal winger Jon Fisher 7th October, 2026 The GOAT: Lionel Messi reluctantly walks away from Argentina on emotional night in Buenos Aires Jon Fisher 7th October, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Jorge Jesus in lengthy statement but insists he still wants to play for Portugal Nicholas McGee 6th October, 2026 Benin dont plan to mark Lionel Messi as defender reveals they want to give Argentina star the perfect send-off Jon Fisher 6th October, 2026 Lionel Messis 10 Greatest Moments For Argentina Mitch Fretton 6th October, 2026 Argentina v Benin: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch as curtain falls on Lionel Messis international career Jon Fisher 6th October, 2026
