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A wave of tributes and heartfelt messages have poured in for Lionel Messi in the hours ahead of his final match with Argentina. Long-time teammate, rival and close friend Neymar penned his own tribute, saying Messi made him "love football even more."
Neymar shared the field with Messi at club level for both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and was even on hand when Messi claimed his first Argentina title — one that came at Brazil's expense in the 2021 Copa América. Ahead of Messi's farewell, Neymar took to social media to honor his friend's remarkable international journey.
"Anyone who loves football has enjoyed watching you all these years," Neymar posted to Instagram. "Today is your last game wearing your national team's shirt, your country's shirt, and I hope you savor every single second — may all the tributes today bring you joy.
"It's not just Argentina that thanks you, the entire world thanks you for everything you've given to football. Thank you for making me love football even more. It was an honor to have played against you, and an even greater one to have made history by your side. THANK YOU, Leo Messi," Neymar concluded, finishing his message with a goat emoji.
Neymar and Messi claimed every major honor available during their four seasons together at Barcelona, forging a lasting bond and forming two-thirds of the greatest attacking trio in football history. The third member of that legendary front line also paid tribute to Messi ahead of his final chapter with La Albiceleste.
Luis Suarez's Messi Tribute: 'Feel Very Proud of Yourself'
Like Messi and Neymar, Luis Suárez also conquered everything at Barcelona. The iconic Uruguayan forward later followed Messi to Inter Miami, and the two are even co-owners of a football club in Suárez's homeland.
The two prolific South American strikers have shared a close friendship for more than a decade, and on Messi's historic day, Suárez made a point of honoring him with a heartfelt video message.
"Gordo! (chubby)," Suárez began, via DSports. "I just wanted to send you a big hug. I hope you enjoy your final match in your country's national team shirt tremendously — a shirt that meant so much throughout your career.
"You experienced incredible moments. You won things that every player dreams of winning while representing their country. So you more than deserve the recognition you're receiving from everyone in appreciation of your career and what you meant to your nation.
"Feel very proud of yourself. I send you a very big hug, and enjoy your day."
Lionel Messi to Argentina: 'Thank You for Loving Me So Much'
Unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/1794pa03Wm
October 6, 2026 is a date that will be etched into Argentina's history forever — the day an entire nation said goodbye to the man who defined a whole era of Argentine football. The momentous occasion began with adidas releasing a video in which Messi addressed Argentina directly, thanking the country's fans for "loving me so much."
"The moment has come," Messi said at the start of the video. "I leave at peace. I gave everything I had. This jersey was my dream, my pride and my life.
"Thank you for loving me so much. I'm going to miss you."
Argentina will take on Benin on Tuesday evening at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi will make his 208th and final appearance for La Albiceleste, drawing the curtain on the international career of the greatest footballer of all time.