NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 17: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina speaks on stage ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final between Spain and Argentina at Fanatics Fest at Javits Center on July 17, 2026 in New York, New York.
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Despite having left the club more than five years ago, Lionel Messi still remains one of the most beloved players for FC Barcelona fans. After leaving the Blaugrana club, the Argentine forward joined Paris Saint-Germain, and after spending two years in the French capital, he joined the MLS side Inter Miami, where he is still playing.
However, it has been his international career that has remained in the spotlight during these last few years. He led the Argentina national team to World Cup glory back in 2022, and also took the Albiceleste to the final, which his team lost only in extra-time to Spain.
After this heart-breaking end to the World Cup, Messi decided to retire from international football. Last night, he played his last game in an Argentina shirt, as he played against Benin. Even in his farewell game, he scored a goal and provided two assists, and thus was directly involved in all three goals scored by his team in their 3-0 win.
There is no doubt that this was a very emotional event for the forward and all of his fans. As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Barcelona also remembered their legend at this time, as they published the following message on their social media:
“Since that gold medal in Beijing 2008, an unforgettable career making history with the Albiceleste. Congratulations, Leo, on continuing to make the Argentina shirt even greater!”
The Blaugranes accompanied this message with a picture of a young Messi with the gold medal mentioned in their post around his neck.
As Barcelona mentioned, Lionel Messi has had a truly unforgettable career with the Argentina national team, taking them to their third World Cup title, and also taking them to another final. He also won two Copa America titles with the Albiceleste, in 2021 and 2024. For now, he has hung up his Argentina shirt, but there still might be some years left for his fans to enjoy seeing him for his club side.