"Fell and then rose to glory".. Players bid farewell to Messi after his last match with Argentina

A number of football stars were keen to bid farewell to Argentine star Lionel Messi after he played his last international match with his national team. Messi participated in a friendly match against the Benin national team, held at the "Monumental" stadium on Wednesday night, which ended with a 3-0 victory for "La Albiceleste."

The Inter Miami star scored a penalty and assisted two others for his teammates Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz. Brazilian Neymar da Silva wrote on his Instagram account before the match: "You have been enjoyed by those who love football all these years."

Neymar, who played alongside Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, added: "Today you play your last match wearing your national team jersey, your country's jersey, and I hope you enjoy every second, and that all the accolades you receive today make you happy." He continued: "It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, but the whole world thanks you for everything you have given to football. Thank you for making me love football more; it has been an honor to play against you, and even more to make history alongside you."

Meanwhile, Brazilian Ronaldinho said on the "X" platform: "What an honor and pleasure it is to be part of your story from day one, my brother. You have made us smile and enjoy football so much." He added: "Your name is engraved in the history of your country, and indeed in the history of the entire world. Only we know the joy we felt when we achieved our childhood dream, representing our entire nation and becoming world champions. You have given everything for your national team and your country."

Uruguayan Luis Suárez, who played with Lionel at both Barcelona and Inter Miami, wrote on his Instagram account: "You have made history in football in South America and the world. Wherever you went, you left your mark, always respecting your opponents. Congratulations on all your achievements, because you never gave up, and because you taught many of us that if we want to achieve our dreams, we can do it." Meanwhile, Argentine Javier Zanetti told Italian media about Messi: "He has given us so much; he is an example of resilience for everyone, considering how difficult what he had to fight for was."

He added: "He fell and then rose until he led us to glory, he was able to unite an entire nation."