Days have passed, but Lionel Messi’s farewell continues to echo throughout Argentina. The superstar brought his career with La Albiceleste to a close with a celebration befitting his stature. At the end of an emotional week, AS spoke to the national icon in the wake of Tuesday’s farewell match at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental. “I’d love to play for Argentina forever,” he declared.
The right decision
Two hundred and eight caps later, having become a World Cup winner and a two-time Copa América champion, Messi brings one of the greatest stories in soccer history to an end. A figure who transcended generations to become a legend, he is now stepping aside after achieving everything the international game had to offer.
“I know I’ve made the right decision,” said the 39-year-old, who scored his 126th Argentina goal in his team’s 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental.
In closing, the Rosario native touched on the religious faith that guided him along a long but deeply rewarding journey: “I always thank God because, without His will, I never would have made it to where I am today.”
An enormous void
With the departure of their star and captain, Argentina now faces a future filled with both uncertainty and promise. In his farewell speech, Messi himself said that he will continue to follow his former teammates as just another fan. From afar, but supporting them as passionately as ever, embracing and enjoying the new role that now awaits him.