Argentina's legendary captain Lionel Messi has recorded a video message for fans ahead of his final match for the national team, according to infohub.kz.
The message was posted on the Instagram account of adidas Football. The 39-year-old forward thanked the fans for their support and said he was leaving the national team with a sense of a job well done.
"The moment has come. I leave in peace, I gave everything. This shirt was my dream, my pride and my life for many years. Thank you for loving me so much. Thank you for your support," Messi said.
The legendary No. 10 is playing his last match for La Albiceleste in Buenos Aires at the Monumental stadium against Benin.
Messi made his final decision to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain. In late August he published an official letter announcing his departure, and in October he arrived in Buenos Aires for his farewell match.
In more than 20 years with the national team (he debuted in 2005), Messi earned a record 207 caps and scored 125 goals. He retires as a world champion (2022), a two-time Copa America winner (2021, 2024), a Finalissima winner (2022) and an Olympic champion (2008).
Messi is not ending his club career entirely, however, and will continue to play in MLS for the American club Inter Miami.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that another equally legendary footballer, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, made a statement. He explained the reasons for his scandalous departure from the Portugal squad.