00:00All-time football great Lionel Messi walked out onto the pitch for the final time in the blue and white
00:06stripes of his Argentina side,
00:08in what was a farewell match to cap off a dazzling 21-year international career.
00:13The 39-year-old produced a final breathtaking performance in front of a home crowd in Buenos Aires,
00:19as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Benin in a friendly match.
00:23Messi was the standout player in the fixture, producing a goal and two assists.
00:28The football crazed nation has now confronted what was once an unimaginable reality,
00:33an international side without Messi, often nicknamed the Little Magician.
00:37But the overwhelming love hasn't always been constant.
00:41At various times in his illustrious career, Messi has faced immense pressure from Argentine fans
00:46who expected his brilliance to translate into silverware, which only materialized in the tail end of his career.
00:52Messi briefly retired from international football in 2016 after losing the World Cup final to Germany,
00:58back then saying he's done everything he can but cannot continue.
01:02But on Tuesday, he was paraded as Argentina's eternal captain,
01:07a feat he has earned after delivering the nation a Copa America title in 2021,
01:11a World Cup in 2022, another Copa America title in 2024,
01:16followed by a second consecutive World Cup final just months ago, which they lost to Spain.
01:22Addressing the fans after the match, an emotional Messi said he does not want to leave the pitch,
01:27and thanked them, his family, and teammates for their support throughout their remarkable journey he has had.
01:33Crowds roared his name and murals of him popped up everywhere nationwide in recognition of his efforts,
01:39while a drone performance projected over the stadium reflecting his holograms.
01:44Argentinians say there will not be another player to capture the hearts of millions as Messi had
01:48and wish nothing but the best for him in this next chapter of his life.
