Messi's Tearful Goodbye: Argentina Legend Compares National Team Exit to Barcelona Heartbreak
Lionel Messi confirmed once more that Thursday evening's commanding 3–0 World Cup qualifying triumph against Venezuela marked his last competitive appearance for Argentina's national squad on home territory, using this poignant occasion to reflect on how his standing among domestic supporters has transformed to match the reverence he experienced at Barcelona.
Argentina secured their spot in next summer's World Cup back in March, and their second-to-last qualifier at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires carried the atmosphere of a farewell celebration. The quick attacking players that Lionel Scaloni has deployed around Messi seemed determined to create scoring opportunities for their iconic leader.
Julián Alvarez became the first to accomplish this objective in the 39th minute. Like many members of Argentina's roster, the Atlético Madrid striker grew up worshipping his current colleague, famously requesting a photo with Messi at age 12. Thirteen years on, global media captured their embrace after Alvarez had skillfully maneuvered into an open scoring position within the penalty area to pass across for Messi to lift Argentina ahead.
Lautaro Martínez extended the lead in the second period before Messi appropriately sealed the victory with his second strike of the evening and the 114th goal of his international journey.
"There were many emotions," Messi contemplated. "I understood it was my final time here competing for points. I've experienced numerous moments on this field, positive and challenging ones, but I'll cherish the finest memories. I feel tremendous joy. Being able to conclude in this manner here represents everything I always hoped for."
The packed venue honored Messi with synchronized, almost spiritual chanting of his name while supporters bowed in respect following the contest. As the seasoned striker acknowledged, he hasn't always received such devotion from his homeland.
Messi never participated in a professional domestic match in Argentina, departing his birthplace as a small 13-year-old for Barcelona, who agreed to cover the costly hormone therapy that would ensure his proper physical development.
Despite accumulating what many consider the most remarkable achievements any footballer has ever assembled during his tenure in Catalonia, Messi's inability to capture a significant championship for Argentina left certain supporters frustrated about his apparent decline when wearing his country's colors. Once Messi guided a fresh generation of younger talents to success in the 2021 Copa América, he had solidly established his position in every Argentine's affections.
Victory at the 2022 World Cup further elevated that recognition, and the pure devotion flowing toward him in recent years has clearly motivated his ongoing commitment to international duty.
"For countless years I enjoyed the affection in Barcelona, and I continue to receive it," Messi nostalgically explained. "My aspiration was to earn it here, in my homeland, among my people. For multiple years, various topics were debated, but I'll remember all the positive achievements we accomplished with the squad that strived and came up short. Then success came to me and several others from that group. Everything we shared was magnificent."