Argentine football star Lionel Messi has reportedly played his final match for the national team, bringing an end to an era in international sports. During the encounter against Benin, the game was briefly paused in the tenth minute to allow both spectators and fellow players to stand and applaud the veteran forward, who famously wore that jersey number throughout his illustrious career.

Following the final whistle at the Monumental Stadium, the 39-year-old player delivered an emotional ten-minute speech in front of thousands of supporters. In his address, he stated that wearing the national colors for over twenty years was a profound privilege, despite the heavy physical and emotional toll that years of competition allegedly demanded from him and his teammates.

Messi also expressed appreciation for all the players who shared the pitch with him over the years, helping achieve long-awaited triumphs such as the World Cup and the Copa America. He admitted that stepping away from the national setup is exceedingly difficult, leaving many questioning the true motivations behind the timing of his departure.

Source: kun.uz