Messi Bids Farewell To Argentina
As the crowds shuffled into Estadio Monumental, the fans were not attending a game; they were celebrating one of their heroes. The game marked the final appearance of Lionel Messi for his country after a career spanning over 21 years. Messi finishes his international career with 208 appearances and 128 goals, records among Argentinian players.
The celebrations weren’t limited to a declaration of how impactful he was. Millions poured into the streets of Buenos Aires around the route of the team bus on route to the stadium. Though only a few cameras could see, Messi shed his tears of the night. During the 10th minute, the same as his jersey number, the game paused so that players, fans, and referees alike could applaud and cheer for Messi.
The game was scoreless at halftime, however, in the second half the scoring came. Messi started off his performance in the second half by delivering a corner kick assist to fellow retiree Nicolas Otamendi in the 48th minute. Messi was not done assisting however, in the 61st minute, Messi delivered his second assist to rising star Nico Paz, who is rumored to wear the number 10 next.
Fifa rules stipulate that no jersey will be retired as countries must register a 26-man squad wearing numbers 1-26, or risk violating squad registration laws. This means that someone will have to wear the legendary 10, sooner rather than later.
Messi himself scored his final goal in the blue and white in the 70th minute from the penalty spot. Argentina would hold that 3-0 lead the rest of the match, yet none of it mattered compared to the after-match tribute. Musical performances and a drone show managed to steal the show before Messi took to the stage and delivered remarks while his teammates, fans, and family finally let their emotions show as some of them broke down.
None were more emotional however, as teammate Enzo Fernandez who had written Messi a letter when he first planned on retiring from international football. Fernandez, 15 at the time, urged Messi to stay on the team, and to not let those who do not judge themselves judge him.
The letter and other outpourings of support worked, as Messi flipped his decision and stayed on the national team, where Messi and Fernandez would win both a Copa America and a World Cup together.
No matter what country or club you support, it is no debate that Lionel Messi has become one of the greatest, if not the greatest player to ever touch the pitch. In tune with the 85,000 in Estadio Monumental, there are only three words that can be said right now.
Thank you, Leo
