Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina — Interia Sport

Lionel Messi, according to Interia Sport, played his final match for the Argentina national team. The Argentine team defeated Benin 3:0, and after the final whistle, the 39-year-old footballer delivered an emotional speech.

Contribution to the victory

As the outlet writes, Messi was involved in all three goals. He provided assists to Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz, and converted a penalty late in the match. According to Interia Sport, Otamendi is also leaving the national team.

Speech and statistics

After the game, Messi recalled his father and more than 20 years spent with the national team. According to the outlet's account, the footballer called playing for Argentina the best feeling and the best thing in the world, and said that he feels the right moment has come.

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Interia Sport cites Messi's statistics for the national team: 208 matches, 126 goals and 70 assists. Together with the national team, he won the World Cup title, the Copa América and the Finalissima.

At the end of his speech, Messi thanked the fans for their support, noting that thanks to them the team felt at home everywhere. He also said that he would always be proud to be Argentine.