Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Argentina legend Diego Maradona and his late father, Jorge Messi, following his final appearance for the national team. In an Instagram post, Messi described his international career as an "incredible journey" filled with both happiness and difficult moments. He expressed confidence that he was making the right decision, but admitted that he already missed wearing Argentina's famous sky-blue-and-white shirt.
Messi remembered Maradona, who remains one of the most revered figures in Argentine football. He said that Maradona had put Argentina where it deserved to be and believed that he had supported the country both during his life and from "heaven". Messi's tributes added a deeply personal dimension to his farewell, which marked the end of a 21-year international career.
The Argentina captain also shared a personal tribute to his father, who died on August 8, 2026, aged 68, after a long illness. Messi wrote: "You don't know how much we missed you last night…" alongside a photograph of himself wearing the Argentina shirt and looking toward the sky. During his emotional on-field farewell, Messi said that his first thought was of "mi viejo", his father.
Messi's final game for Argentina was a 3-0 win against Benin at the Monumental Stadium on Monday night, in front of more than 85,000 supporters. He scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists, marking his 208th appearance for Argentina. This brought an emotional end to his career, in which he became the country's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
During his farewell, Messi thanked his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and the clubs that had supported his international commitments. He also expressed gratitude to God and Argentina's supporters for standing by the team through its successes and setbacks. This marked the end of one of the most celebrated careers in Argentine football.
At 39 years old, Messi's international career has come to a close. His reported farewell brings the curtain down on an era, with his tributes to Maradona and his father adding a personal touch to the occasion. Messi's legacy in Argentine football will be remembered for years to come.
The Argentine football community is reflecting on Messi's remarkable career, which was marked by numerous achievements and accolades. His impact on the sport extends beyond his on-field accomplishments, with his dedication and passion inspiring a generation of footballers. As Messi moves on from international football, his legacy will continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Key points
- Messi paid tribute to Diego Maradona and his late father, Jorge Messi, after his final Argentina game.
- Messi's final game for Argentina was a 3-0 win against Benin, marking his 208th appearance for the country.
- Messi's international career spanned 21 years, during which he became Argentina's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
