Lionel Messi slams World Cup conspiracy theories, tells Argentina to stay united in farewell speech

Lionel Messi has slammed conspiracy theories surrounding Argentina’s progress to the 2026 World Cup and urged fans to remain united and support Argentina as he brought the curtain down on his international career on Wednesday (October 7). The message included a little something from the Argentine superstar as he first remembered his late father before speaking to fans.

Messi ran the show on an emotional night as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi assisted twice before completing the win with a penalty in front of an emotional stadium crowd.

Once the match was over and after the drone show and music performance, Messi got a chance to speak to the fans and his teammates.

“I wish I could play all my life because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing. The last World Cup was too much. We were very close to fulfilling the dream, very close.”

“We gave it everything, the England match was a huge stress for us. After the World Cup final, there were many conspiracy theories. Emotionally and physically, we reached the limit of what we could do. We fought all our lives. Do not doubt that me and all my teammates always gave everything for this shirt.”

“I’m going to miss it, playing all over the country. We got a lot of love everywhere we went. I’m very grateful for it all.”

“This may be the saddest day of my life. But I will be by your side and I will support these children. We will always be united. When we are united, we are stronger than anyone.”

“There are people who don’t want to see the national team succeed. We have to come together against them. We were an exceptional group, that’s why we won what we won.”

“I don’t want to leave this pitch. I love you, I’ll miss you. I’ll be proud of how we made our dream come true with all of you,” Messi said in his message to fans.

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