Lionel Messi bid an emotional farewell to Argentina after playing his final competitive home match, a 3-0 victory against Venezuela. Messi scored twice and expressed his joy at receiving the affection of the Argentine fans, something he had always dreamed of. He reflected on his career and the support he has received, expressing gratitude to his teammates and the fans who have supported him throughout his journey.
Lionel Messi has expressed his heartfelt emotions after his final competitive home match for Argentina, describing it as something he "always dreamed of." The legendary forward marked the occasion with a memorable performance, scoring twice in Argentina's comfortable 3-0 victory over Venezuela in their penultimate World Cup qualifier. The match was filled with emotion, with fans bowing down to show their appreciation for Messi.
Messi's goals, sandwiching a header from Lautaro Martinez, ensured a dominant display from the Albiceleste. Last week, the 38-year-old Messi confirmed that the matches against Venezuela and Ecuador would be his last World Cup qualifiers. However, he refrained from making any definitive statements regarding his future retirement plans, leaving fans and pundits alike to speculate.
The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with supporters eager to witness Messi's final home appearance in a competitive fixture. Messi almost capped off the night with a stunning hat-trick, but a late chip was disallowed for offside, denying him the perfect ending. Despite the disallowed goal, the fans were visibly moved, showing their appreciation for the legend.
Following the final whistle, Messi showed his appreciation to the fans, and the stands were filled with a sea of applause and adoration. Some fans even bowed in reverence to the player who has brought so much joy to Argentine football. The emotional connection between Messi and the Argentine supporters was palpable, creating an unforgettable moment for everyone present.
Asked about the overwhelming reception, Messi shared his joy at having the opportunity to bid farewell to the supporters in Buenos Aires. He said, "There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field. It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of."
Messi reflected on his long journey, recalling the years of affection he received from Barcelona and his yearning to experience the same support in his own country. "For many years, I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here, too, in my country with my people. For many years, a lot of things were said, but well, I’ll stay with all the good. All the good with the group that tried it couldn’t get it and concentrate," he stated.
He also acknowledged the contributions of his teammates, both past and present, in creating the beautiful journey. "Then, I was given it and some of the players in the roster and the past one. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one for points here," Messi concluded, hinting at the end of an era but also expressing optimism for the future of Argentine football.
The Argentine FA also posted a tweet about the great man:
#SelecciónMayor Los números del mejor de todos
Con ustedes, los datos goleadores de Lionel Messi
Nuestro. Siempre. pic.twitter.com/AJKxmo7gzP
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