Messi: Argentina retirement is saddest day of my career

Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin Republic on Tuesday.

Messi, who scored a goal and provided two assists in the victory at the Monumental Stadium, took to the field after the win to express gratitude to fans and teammates as he reflected on his 21-year career with Argentina.

Addressing 80,000-plus spectators in the stadium, Messi said: “It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years.

“Even in the worst moments we went through and that I had, I never stopped fighting, never stopped being here.

“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who was at the helm as Messi finally achieved his dream of winning football’s biggest prize the World Cup in 2022, said there would never be another player of his ability.

“He is unique,” said Scaloni, whose played alongside Messi for a year in the national team.

Messi signs off Argentina career with goal, two assists in 3-0 win over Benin

“I have never seen such a set of skills in any other player in all my life,” he added.

An emotional Scaloni, who cried during the national anthem, said to have been given the opportunity to coach a team with Messi in it was beyond his wildest dreams.

Scaloni said: “I owe him a debt of eternal gratitude, for everything he gave to us,” said the 48-year-old.

“I told him in front of everybody, with the little energy that I still had: never in my life did I imagine I would coach the best footballer in history.”