Lionel Messi has paid a glowing tribute to his late father, Jorge and football legend Diego Maradona after playing his final game for Argentina on Wednesday morning.
Messi wore the Argentina jersey for the last time at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires as Argentina beat Benin 3-0.
The farewell match capped a successful international career that spanned 22 years and produced 128 goals and 68 assists in 206 matches for La Albiceleste.
MESSI APPRECIATES MARADONA, FAMILY & FANS IN GLOWING TRIBUTE
In a lengthy social media post on Wednesday, Messi appreciated fans for their support during his international career with Argentina.
He also paid tribute to Maradona for his contribution to football in Argentina and his late father whom he missed so much.
Messi wrote on Instagram: “And I still have so much to sayy. It's impossible for me to express everything I feel in a few words or in a post.
“This journey would have been impossible without my family, who were always by my side and supported me, especially during the difficult times when I needed it most.
“My friends, all the teammates and coaches I had, along with their staff, were also essential. I don't want to forget Diego, who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know helped us both here with us and from heaven, with every step we took.
“Thank you to the clubs I played for, for always respecting my feelings and allowing me to dedicate myself to my country when it was time to wear the national team jersey.
“And of course, thank God: without His guidance and His will, we wouldn't even be dreaming of having gotten this far.
“I am so grateful. I love you all so much, I'm going to miss you, and I will always thank you for being by our side, by my side.”
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI
Following the closing of his international career, Messi will turn his focus to his club career with Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer.
Inter Miami are currently third in the Eastern Conference table with 46 points from 27 games, with Messi leading the scorer’s chart with 21 goals and 11 assists so far.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain has also started preparations for life after football by extending his business portfolio.
In addition to having an option to buy an ownership stake at Inter Miami, Messi recently became the majority shareholder of Spanish Segunda Division club, CD Eldense taking his investment portfolio to six clubs including an Esports club with former Argentine teammate Sergio Aguero.
