Argentina bid farewell to Messi in his final national team match

Argentina bids farewell to Messi in final national team match

According to

Sports.

Background

Lionel Messi has achieved many important achievements in his career with the Argentina national team. At his farewell match, fans celebrated his journey, marking the end of an era. Messi's departure will have a deep impact on Argentina's football culture, as they are saying goodbye to a unique player.

Why it matters

Lionel Messi's farewell match is an important moment in Argentine football history. In 21 years, he scored 125 goals and won two Copa America titles and a World Cup, making him one of Argentina's biggest football stars. It is difficult for fans to imagine the national team without him, who are missing his contributions.

Key Points

• Argentina bid farewell to Messi in the final national team match.
• Lionel Messi bids farewell to the Argentina national team, as fans celebrate his contribution on the occasion..
• Argentina bids Messi farewell in final national team match, ending an era - Yahoo Sports.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina is imagining a time like never before without Lionel Messi on its national team. On Tuesday, 39-year-old Messi is set to bid farewell to international football after a career spanning 21 years, 125 goals, two Copa America titles and a World Cup championship. The friendly against Benin, which would otherwise have been inconclusive, has now become a watershed moment for the football-loving nation.

"It feels like an era is ending, knowing he will no longer play for the national team," said Valentino Russo, 17, who was visiting a friend's house in Buenos Aires to watch the match. "I'm sad. I think everyone is sad today. He will be greatly missed."

Argentines have had a complicated relationship with Messi, who has risen from a shy boy to a global icon. His countrymen loved him and sometimes even doubted him, questioning his commitment and accusing him of indifference to their country. But as he prepares to say goodbye to the national team, his devotion to Argentina is now beyond doubt.

"Argentinians often say, 'Blessed to be born at a time when I could watch Messi play,'" said Andrés Rabinovich, a University of Chicago scholar. "It's hard to live in Argentina. Football is often one of the few things that gives you a little relief and happiness."

For years, Argentines have debated how and when Messi should say goodbye to international duty. His announcement of retirement from the national team on August 31 sparked an outpouring of gratitude and mourning, while he will continue to play in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

"I don't know if there has ever been a love story between a player and a country like the one you have created," his teammate Rodrigo de Paul wrote on Instagram.

The Argentine Football Federation turned Tuesday's match - Messi's 208th - into a national farewell, dubbing it the "Last Tango". More than 85,000 tickets sold out in 90 minutes at Buenos Aires' largest stadium, later selling for more than $2,500 on resale sites.

Messi entered the field with his three sons with tears in their eyes. Fans in the stadium chanted "Me-si! Me-si!" They raised slogans and bowed towards him and honored him. A giant replica of Messi's number 10 jersey was spread out on the field, with the words "Gracias" written on it.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Messi won numerous trophies with his club and gained a rabid following from Barcelona to Bangladesh. But a big title for his country was always a dream for him. While the world saw him as a unique talent, some at home believed him to be an outsider who had never played professionally in Argentina.

Messi's calm nature, which contrasted with the audacity of Diego Maradona, increased doubts over his patriotism. After Argentina lost its third consecutive final in 2016, Messi retired from the national team for a short time.

In 2021, when Argentina defeated Brazil to win the Copa America, it proved to be a turning point. Messi collapsed on the field with his teammates, in tears. "The victory clearly negated their critics. That's how football works in Argentina," said Diego Murzi, a sports sociologist.

Last year's World Cup victory in Qatar made him a national hero. Messi won a title he had always dreamed of, and millions of Argentines celebrated by taking to the streets. "I'll never forget it. I've never experienced anything like this, being out with everyone, celebrating together," said Antonia Correa, 70.

In recent weeks, newspapers have published tributes to Messi and murals of him have emerged across the country. Buenos Aires' famous obelisk lit up in the colors of the national flag on Tuesday. And in Patagonia, a 26-meter-high statue of Messi stands with the World Cup trophy.

His fans in Argentina, who look up to Messi the same way their parents looked up to Maradona, now carry him kissing the World Cup trophy tattooed on their skin. There is now no successor to Messi's No. 10 jersey, with coach Lionel Scaloni saying the decision will be taken after his final match.

"I don't think we'll ever find someone like this again, someone who has this kind of enduring power," said Professor Pablo Brescia of the University of South Florida. “Like Maradona, he will be unique — someone who cannot be replicated.” Messi's contract with Inter Miami is until the 2028 season. But the celebration of watching Argentina's hopes rise in every match is coming to an end.

"Watching Messi play, you felt anything could happen," Murzi said. "I've seen him do things that I don't think I'll ever see any other player do."

What will happen next

Now that Messi has retired from international football, Argentina will have to search for new stars who can carry on his legacy. This farewell match is not only the conclusion of Messi's career, but also marks a new beginning for the young players. Both fans and players will miss his contributions and will be ready to see the new direction of the team without him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened?

Argentina bid farewell to Lionel Messi in his final national team match, ending an era.

Who confirmed?

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national team on August 31, leading to preparations for his farewell match.

Why is this happening now?

Messi's farewell match is an important moment for Argentina, as they are now imagining the national team without him.

What changes are taking place?

After Messi's retirement, Argentina will have to get used to playing without him, which is the end of his 21-year career.

What is the importance of this match?

This match is against Benin and is being seen as an emotional farewell for Messi.

Related Articles

• Chris Woakes: Former ECB's Cricket for Teachers initiative
• Manchester City's financial affairs raise questions beyond sport
• West Ham United appoint 47-year-old fan favorite as manager

Related Articles

• The name of the coach of Team Umeed has not been announced yet

Related Articles

• Kazam Uliai: Sohrab's achievements are not enough, make him stronger

Related Articles

• Italy, the new course is taking shape: teams seeded at Euro 2028 and