After 207 matches, Lionel Messi is set to play his final game with the Argentinian national team on Tuesday. This friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental serves more as a farewell to the 2022 class and its remarkable captain.
While Messi will remain active at the club level with Inter Miami until 2028, by that time he will be 41. Although his participation in the 2028 Copa America isn’t guaranteed, it could offer him the chance to solidify his legacy one more time—perhaps capturing Argentina’s continental crown again and setting records in the process.
Messi has previously retired from international play, but many fans were determined that his career not conclude with a missed penalty against Chile in 2016. Too often had he been blamed for Argentina’s trophy drought, making this farewell as a champion fitting. After announcing his retirement following his father’s death, he expressed feeling like he had “nothing left to give.” However, Argentina had already claimed two Copa Americas and a long-coveted World Cup, a legacy that remains formidable, even if recent performances suggested he could still achieve more.
The last display of Messi’s prowess occurred at MetLife Stadium in a loss against Spain, a match reflective of many of his international experiences—his teammates often struggling to match the cohesiveness of a complete unit. The exceptional glory in Qatar seemed more like an exception than a rule, marking a year where Messi was at his peak alongside a capable supporting cast.
Despite being in the twilight of his career after two decades, Messi still ranks among the elite players globally. Leading up to the World Cup, questions arose about whether his stellar performance in MLS was indicative of his remaining talents or a comment on soccer in the U.S. He answered with a dazzling performance, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, reaffirming his status as a key player.
In the World Cup, Messi showcased his exceptional ability, posting 7.91 expected non-penalty goals plus assists, substantially more than his closest competitor, Kylian Mbappé. While many players his age have already slowed down, Messi continued to excel, breaking through defenses with remarkable skill. A typical World Cup player contributing over 300 minutes had an average of 0.5 expected assists, while Messi consistently surpassed that mark every game. Once again, he proved to be both a brilliant scorer and a magnificent playmaker.
Although the concerns about his form before the tournament were laid to rest, fans were left wanting more from Messi—a question lingered about whether the vigor he displayed in an Argentina jersey would translate to consistent performances in rigorous club competitions like the Champions League. It’s a disappointment that fans might never find out.
The vision of Messi ending his career back in Barcelona has dimmed, especially after Xavi revealed that the club’s president blocked a potential return for political reasons. By the time the World Cup occurred, Messi’s final club years were already spent in MLS, where he benefits from a style of play reminiscent of his early days in Barcelona.
There remains unfinished business at Inter Miami. With a remarkable career total of 931 goals, he might still reach the milestone of 1,000, needing about 80 more games to do so—a feat dependent on injury luck or an extension of his contract. While individual accolades in the MLS, like a potential third MVP or a CONCACAF Champions Cup, would be nice, they don’t carry the same weight as his storied accomplishments.
Some may feel it’s underwhelming to see such a legendary player rack up goals in matches against weaker teams like CF Montreal and Sporting Kansas City. While Messi continues to prove he’s still exceptional, many believe he should be challenging himself on the grander stages of the Champions League. With his ongoing success internationally, the question remains: Why not?
After two decades at the top, it seems Messi has yet to conquer every possible challenge. However, true entertainers know when to leave the stage while their audience still craves more. And it certainly feels like Messi’s story is far from over.
Editorial Opinion:
For soccer fans, Messi’s farewell from international play marks not just the end of an era, but also the prevailing question of what could have been had he continued competing at the highest levels. His decision to transition to MLS while still maintaining an elite level of performance highlights the sport’s evolving landscape and serves as a poignant reminder of the last great chapters of a legendary career.
Source: www.cbssports.com
