Following the friendly against Benin, Lionel Messi officially said goodbye to the Argentina national team. It was an emotional night, marked by tears from the captain, his team-mates, his family and the supporters.

“It’s difficult to say anything today, there are so many emotions,” Messi admitted. “It has been an enormous source of pride to wear this shirt for more than 20 years.”

The forward acknowledged that no longer returning with the Albiceleste will be particularly difficult.

“Not coming back here will be very difficult. I wish I could come here for the rest of my life. Playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”

Messi also paid tribute to all of his team-mates, with whom he shared some of the most important moments of his international career.

“They made the dream I had as a child come true and allowed me to win everything we fought for. It was an enormous privilege to share the pitch and the dressing room with them.”

The Argentina captain also wanted to thank the supporters for their loyalty over the years, through the difficult moments as well as the biggest victories.

“You were always there, making enormous sacrifices. We always felt it.”

From now on, Messi has promised to continue supporting the national team from the outside.

“From today, I’ll be on your side, supporting these players and everyone who comes after them.”

As he brought his message to a close, the emotion once again took over.

“I don’t want to leave here. I just want to tell you that I love you, that I’m going to miss you and that I’m grateful to be Argentine. I’m proud to have achieved this dream with all of you.”

After more than two decades in an Argentina shirt, Messi brings one of the most important chapters of his international career to a close, in tears and to the applause of an entire country.