'A Pleasure to Watch': Luka Modric Hails Messi After Final Match
Luka Modric pays tribute to Lionel Messi following his final international match for Argentina in a 3-0 victory over Benin.
Croatian legend Luka Modric has shared a heartfelt tribute to Lionel Messi following the conclusion of Messi's storied international career. Speaking after Argentina's farewell match, Modric expressed his admiration for the Argentine icon, acknowledging his unparalleled impact on the game.
A Masterclass in Buenos Aires
The final international appearance for Lionel Messi was nothing short of a fairytale. Playing on home soil in Buenos Aires, the 39-year-old forward orchestrated a commanding 3-0 victory for Argentina against Benin. Messi was directly involved in all three goals, providing two assists and converting a penalty to seal the win.
The decisive moments unfolded shortly after the halftime break. In the 48th minute, Messi set up Nicolas Otamendi to break the deadlock. He then assisted Nico Paz for a spectacular curling goal, before finally finding the net himself from the penalty spot to complete the rout.
Modric Reflects on Rivalry and Respect
Despite years of intense competition on both the club and international stages, Modric spoke of the immense respect he holds for the forward. The Croatian midfielder, who has faced Messi 27 times across all competitions, admitted that while Messi often caused him and his team to suffer, watching him play was a unique privilege.
"What can I say about him? It is a shame he is retiring, but it’s his decision, and we have to respect it," Modric told Cadena SER. "He has achieved something incredible with the national team; he has won the World Cup he wanted so much."
Modric continued his tribute by highlighting Messi's singular talent: "He is one of the best players in the world, a one-of-a-kind player, and it has been a pleasure to watch him play, even though I’ve suffered a lot against him, both with Croatia and with Real Madrid. I wish him the best of luck."
The End of an Era
Messi leaves the international stage with a legacy that has redefined Argentine football. His final chapter includes a trophy cabinet boasting the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2022 Finalissima. As the final whistle blew in Buenos Aires, the emotional scenes of Messi embracing his teammates marked the end of one of the most significant eras in sporting history.