‘Thank you for making me love football even more’: Neymar’s heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after Argentina farewell

Neymar’s heartfelt message to Messi (Image Agency) Neymar Jr paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentinian great played his final international match, describing it as an honor to share the pitch and make history with one of football’s biggest stars.Messi brought the curtain down on his Argentina career with a memorable performance in front of 85,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, scoring a penalty to set up two goals in a 3-0 win over Benin.The 39-year-old, who announced on August 31 that his time with Argentina was coming to an end, ended his international career with 208 appearances, 126 goals, a World Cup title and two Copa América triumphs.Neymar, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, took to social media to mark the occasion.“Anyone who likes football, you’ve been entertained all these years…Today is your last game in the shirt of your national team, your country and I hope you enjoy every second and that all the honors today will make you happy,” wrote Neymar.The Brazil star said Messi’s influence went far beyond Argentina and thanked his former team-mate for making him appreciate football even more.“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you; the whole world thanks you for everything you’ve done for football. Thank you for making me love football even more. It was an honor to play against you, and even more to make history with you,” he signed.

Messi signs his signature with a ceremonial presentation

Messi made sure his farewell was worthy of the occasion. He played a part in all three goals as Argentina celebrated a 3-0 victory.Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute after connecting on a Messi corner. The Argentinian captain then set up Nicolás Paz for the second goal in the 61st minute and 10 minutes later converted the penalty with his left foot into the top corner.The crowd repeatedly chanted “Olé, Olé, Messi” as the captain soaked up the occasion.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi waves during his final appearance for the national team (AP Photo)

The match was also briefly stopped 10 minutes after kick-off so that Messi could receive a special honour. Teammates and opponents approached him as the 85,000 crowd gave a standing ovation, with Messi raising his hand in recognition.He wore a special Argentina jersey with wider vertical stripes, a giant sun and a golden number 10 on the back. The design also bore the horns of a goat, a reference to his status as a “GOAT”.After the final whistle, Messi addressed the fans from the center of the pitch.“It has been a source of great pride to wear this shirt for more than 20 years,” Messi told the crowd. “I never stopped fighting, I never stopped giving everything. I would like to go back there forever, because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”He also promised to stay close to the team even after his playing days with Argentina are over.“I will miss you all. Now I will be by your side and I will support the national team and the boys who come next,” Messi said. “When we are united, we are stronger than anyone else and can overcome anything. We are in for a tough time because what this group has achieved will not be easy to repeat.”

From heartbreak to World Cup glory

Messi debuted for Argentina in 2005 and endured years of disappointment with the national team before finally peaking at the 2022 World Cup.The triumph in Qatar completed a major missing piece of his international career and cemented his status as a national hero, following in the legacy of Diego Maradona.His journey with Argentina included two Copa América titles and six World Cup appearances. He came close to another title at the last World Cup when Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final. Messi still finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists.He remains the only footballer to have won the Ballon d’Or eight times and rejoined the conversation for the award.Messi’s farewell was an emotional affair from the start. Accompanied by his sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, he was visibly emotional during the Argentine national anthem as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez hugged him.Before the final victory lap, Messi left the Argentina team with one final message.“We need to build a strong, united group because there are people who want the national team to fail and we shouldn’t give them the satisfaction.”Before that, Messi was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires. The tribute was presented at the national team’s training complex in Ezeiza in recognition of his achievements with Argentina and his influence on and off the pitch.