Buenos Aires (Argentina), 7 Oct. (LaPresse) – Argentina bid a moving farewell to Lionel Messi, who played his final match for the national team in a friendly against Benin held in Buenos Aires. Messi’s time with the Argentine national team ended with a victory and great emotion: in the friendly against Benin, the Selección won 3–0 and the number 10 was once again the star of the show. He provided two assists, setting up headed goals from Otamendi and Nico Paz, before scoring himself from the penalty spot. It was a special evening, marked by tears and a tribute from the fans. In the tenth minute, play was halted: a long round of applause rang out from the stands, whilst fireworks lit up the Buenos Aires night sky. At the end of the match, Messi reflected on the dreams he had realised with Argentina and dedicated a thought to his father, who passed away this summer. He then thanked the team: “I’m proud to be Argentine.” And finally, his farewell: from today, he said, he’ll be the one cheering on the Selección.
Football: Messi’s final tango – Argentina bids him farewell in his last match for the national team
Buenos Aires (Argentina), 7 Oct. (LaPresse) – Argentina bid a moving farewell to Lionel Messi, who played his final match for the national team in a friendly against Benin held in Buenos Aires. Messi’s time with the Argentine national team ended with a victory and great emotion: in the friendly against Benin, the Selección won 3–0 and the number 10 was once again the star of the show. He provided two assists, setting up headed goals from Otamendi and Nico Paz, before scoring himself from the penalty spot. It was a special evening, marked by tears and a tribute from the fans. In the tenth minute, play was halted: a long round of applause rang out from the stands, whilst fireworks lit up the Buenos Aires night sky. At the end of the match, Messi reflected on the dreams he had realised with Argentina and dedicated a thought to his father, who passed away this summer. He then thanked the team: “I’m proud to be Argentine.” And finally, his farewell: from today, he said, he’ll be the one cheering on the Selección.