Beunos Aires, 07 October (H.S.): Lionel Messi brought his international career with Argentina to a close on Tuesday with a 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires. After scoring one goal and providing two assists, Messi delivered an emotional speech at a packed Estadio Monumental, bidding farewell to the Argentina national team.

Messi said he would miss playing for Argentina. He began his speech by remembering his late father, Jorge, who died in August after a prolonged illness.

Messi said, “The first person I think about tonight is my father. I can only thank all of you. It has been an enormous source of pride for me to wear this shirt for more than 20 years. We never stopped fighting, and we never stopped giving everything we had.”

He said, “I wish I could play my whole life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing.”

Messi added, “Of course, I’m probably forgetting many of the things I wanted to say. This is a difficult moment for me. I will miss it.”

The 39-year-old Messi also said that he would continue supporting the players who represent Argentina after him.

He said, “When we are united, we are stronger than any other team. And we can overcome anything.”

Concluding his emotional speech, Messi said, “I love you, I love you. I will miss you. And I am immensely grateful and proud to be Argentine. I am proud to have fulfilled my dream with all of you.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar