00:00All-time football great Lionel Messi walked out onto the pitch for the final time in the
00:05blue and white stripes of his Argentina side, in what was a farewell match to cap off a dazzling
00:1021-year international career. The 39-year-old produced a final breathtaking performance in
00:17front of a home crowd in Buenos Aires, as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Benin in a
00:22friendly
00:22match. Messi was the standout player in the fixture, producing a goal and two assists.
00:27The football crazed nation has now confronted what was once an unimaginable reality, an international
00:34side without Messi, often nicknamed the Little Magician. But the overwhelming love hasn't always
00:39been constant. At various times in his illustrious career, Messi has faced immense pressure from
00:45Argentine fans who expected his brilliance to translate into silverware, which only materialized
00:50in the tail end of his career. Messi briefly retired from international football in 2016 after losing
00:56the World Cup Final to Germany, back then saying he's done everything he can but cannot continue.
01:02But on Tuesday, he was paraded as Argentina's eternal captain, a feat he has earned after
01:08delivering the nation a Copa America title in 2021, a World Cup in 2022, another Copa America
01:15title in 2024, followed by a second consecutive World Cup Final just months ago, which they lost
01:21to Spain. Addressing the fans after the match, an emotional Messi said he does not want to leave
01:26the pitch, and thanked them, his family, and teammates for their support throughout their
01:31remarkable journey he has had. Crowds roared his name and murals of him popped up everywhere
01:36nationwide in recognition of his efforts, while a drone performance projected over the stadium
01:41reflecting his holograms. Argentinians say there will not be another player to capture the hearts
01:47of millions as Messi had and wish nothing but the best for him in this next chapter of his life.
