THERE are football matches that are remembered for the scoreline, matches remembered for a goal, and occasions remembered simply because everyone knew they were watching something that would never happen again.
Lionel Messi’s final Argentina game comes under the third category.
Argentina gave Lionel Messi the farewell befitting a national icon, beating Benin 3-0 inside a packed Estadio Monumental.
The night, on Wednesday 7th October, belonged to the 39-year-old captain, who brought his glittering 21-year international career to an end.
“I leave in peace. I gave it my all.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner registered a goal and two assists in true ‘Vintage Messi’ style whilst playing the full 90 minutes.
He announced in August, after his second World Cup Final defeat, and the death of his father Jorge, that he was retiring from International football for the second time.
You can summarise Lionel Messi’s Argentina career in three key areas: Frustration, Redemption, and complete Fulfilment.
An 18-year-old Messi made his International debut in 2005 against Hungary in a friendly, coming on as a 63rd minute substitute which lasted a minute after being sent off.
At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Messi’s Argentina won Gold against Nigeria marking his first bit of silverware.
In 2011, Messi was named Argentina captain aged 24. However, over the next several years he was unable to lead the team towards any silverware and suffering consistent heartbreak.
After losing the 2014 World Cup Final and three consecutive Copa America Finals, Messi announced his International retirement in 2016 at the age of 28.
After a nationwide campaign calling for Messi to reverse his retirement from Argentina, he was quickly reinstated into the team for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
The first of three trophies came in 2021 winning the Copa America against Brazil 1-0 with Messi obtaining the Best Player and Top Scorer awards.
And his dream was fulfilled with Argentina winning the 2022 World Cup and the country’s third. Lio picked up the Best Player award for his unearthly performances throughout the tournament contributing to 66% of Argentina’s 15 World Cup goals.
2005-2016, zero trophies. 2016-2026, three trophies. It’s safe to say Argentina’s campaign to bring back the number 10 out of retirement made him the undisputed greatest of all time.
