Neymar's Emotional Tribute to Messi Ahead of Final International Match
Neymar pens an emotional note to Lionel Messi ahead of the Argentine icon's final international match against Benin.
In a heartfelt tribute that has captured the emotions of football fans worldwide, Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr has shared a moving message for Argentina icon Lionel Messi. This comes as Messi prepares to step onto the pitch for his final international appearance on home soil.
A Message from a Teammate and Friend
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) teammates, who shared many historic moments on the pitch, saw their connection deepen through their time together in Europe. As Messi prepares to face Benin in his farewell match, Neymar took to Instagram to express his profound respect for the maestro.
“Anyone who loves football has enjoyed you throughout all these years… Today is your final game wearing the shirt of your national team, your country, and I hope you enjoy every second of it and that all the tributes today make you happy," Neymar wrote.
The Santos star went further to acknowledge the global impact of Messi's career, stating, "It is not only 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 honour to have played against you, and even more so to have made history alongside you."
The End of an Era for the Argentine Legend
Messi’s decision to step away from international football follows a period of immense triumph and personal loss. The 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning captain announced his retirement from the international stage on September 1, shortly after Argentina's victory in Qatar and following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, in August.
Messi leaves the international stage as Argentina's most-capped player and highest goal scorer, boasting an incredible record of 203 appearances and 124 goals. His journey has been one of perseverance, overcoming the heartbreak of the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany to finally lifting the trophy in 2022.
A Legacy of Success
The Argentine skipper's achievements are unparalleled in South American football history. His recent accolades include:
- FIFA World Cup Champion (2022): Leading Argentina to their third title.
- Copa America Winner (2021 & 2024): Ending a long trophy drought for his nation.
- World Cup Record Holder: Having scored 21 goals across six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026.
While his journey with the national team concludes, Messi continues to showcase his magic in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, proving that his influence on the beautiful game is far from over.