Flag-lowering ceremony!
Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin, bringing a legendary career to a close.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The day after the match, the Albiceleste legend wanted to share his own message about his journey with the national team and expressed his gratitude for everything they experienced together along the way.
Here is Messi’s message in full:
“Yesterday was my last game, and I already miss wearing the jersey. I know I’m making the right decision. It’s been an incredible journey, full of joy but also some heartache, yet I’m certain it was worth every step I took.
And there are still so many things I wanted to say. It’s impossible for me to express everything I feel in just a few words or in a single post. This journey would have been impossible without my family, who were always by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult moments when I needed them most.
Equally indispensable were my friends, all my teammates and coaches, along with their coaching staffs. I don’t want to forget Diego, who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know he helped us—both by being here with us and from heaven—at every step we took.
I thank the clubs for which I played, because they always respected my feelings and allowed me to devote myself to my country when the time came to wear the national team jersey.
And, of course, I thank God. Without His guidance and will, we wouldn’t even have dreamed that we could make it this far. I am a man full of gratitude. I love you all very much; I will miss you, and I will be forever grateful that you stood by us—by my side.”
View this post on Instagram.
*photo source: AP
