Lionel Messi has made his feelings clear about his decision to retire from the Argentina national team after the farewell match against Benin on Tuesday. Buenos Aires witnessed an emotional night as Argentina bid farewell to their talismanic captain.
After the 3-0 win over Benin, in which Lionel Messi scored, the 39-year-old reiterated that he believes it is time for him to move on from the national team. The Inter Miami star stated that he would love to play for Argentina forever, but touched upon how it is the ‘right decision’ to leave now.
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Lionel Messi also thanked God for his incredible career, stating that he believes he would never have become the player he is now, if not for divine intervention.
Speaking to Diario AS, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner commented:
“I’d love to play for Argentina forever. I know I’ve made the right decision. I always thank God because, without His will, I never would have made it to where I am today.”
After the farewell game in Argentina, Lionel Messi has already linked up with Inter Miami. The Argentine superstar is the leading goalscorer in the MLS this season with 21 goals in 24 games. He has also registered the joint-highest number of assists (13).
However, reigning champions Inter Miami are third in the MLS Eastern Conference, 14 points behind leaders Nashville SC. They next face DC United at home on Saturday, October 10.
Nico Paz shares emotional message for Lionel Messi after Argentina farewell
Como attacker Nico Paz is expected to become a mainstay in the Argentina line-up after Lionel Messi’s retirement. The 22-year-old, who came up through the ranks at Real Madrid before his career-changing switch to Como, has thanked Messi for his contributions to Argentina.
Paz labelled Messi as ‘the best player in history’ and called it a privilege to share the dressing room with the maestro. He wrote on Instagram:
“Yesterday, the best player in history said goodbye to the national team, the person who made us dream for so many years. It has been a privilege to play a small part in your career and to be by your side for such special moments like yesterday.
“Thank you so much for these years that I got to share with you, you don’t know how much we’re going to miss you.”
Notably, Paz scored the second goal in the 3-0 win over Benin after an assist from Messi himself.
Edited by Nived Zenith