Messi's emotional farewell video reveals his final international moment

Lionel Messi, the 39‑year‑old captain of Argentina, shared an emotional video a few hours before his final international in which he says goodbye to the national team. The message, published by adidas, was released on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, just before the friendly against Benin.

A personal message

In the video Messi says: “The moment is here. I leave with a clear conscience. I have given everything. This shirt was my dream, my pride and my life.” He thanks the Argentinian public for their love and promises to miss the supporters. In the background Mercedes Sosa’s “Gracias a la vida” plays.

Symbolism and statistics

The clip ends with Messi hanging his Argentinian shirt on a coat hanger and walking out of frame. The match against Benin will be his 208th and final international; since his debut in 2005 he has 125 goals and 66 assists to his name, making him the record international and all‑time top scorer of Argentina.

Festive farewell evening

The Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires is entirely dedicated to the farewell. Performances by Damas Gratis, La Sole and Ulises Bueno are scheduled before and after the match, followed by a drone show, fireworks and a surprise act. It is Argentina’s third match in a week at the Monumental.

Earlier this week the 2022 World Cup team won 4‑0 against Bolivia and closed with 7‑0 against Burkina Faso. Against Benin, however, it is mainly about the farewell of one of the greatest players in Argentinian football history.

Messi has, with his country, won the 2022 World Cup, the Copa América 2021 and 2024 and the Finalissima, and reached the World Cup finals of 2014 and 2026.

The meeting with Benin starts at 20:00 Argentine time on Wednesday, which is 01:00 in the Netherlands. A tweet from adidas football announced the video with a thank‑you from Messi to his fans.