Messi pays tribute to Maradona, father after Argentina farewell
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineLionel Messi has paid emotional tribute to Argentina legend Diego Maradona and his late father, Jorge Messi, following what was described as his final appearance for the national team.
Messi reflected on the occasion in an Instagram post on Wednesday, admitting that he already missed wearing Argentina’s famous sky-blue-and-white shirt but remained convinced that stepping away was the right decision.
The 39-year-old described his time with Argentina as an “incredible journey” that featured moments of happiness as well as difficult periods, saying every part of the experience had been worthwhile.
Messi also remembered Maradona, one of the most revered figures in Argentine football.
He said: “I don’t want to forget Diego, who put our country where it deserved to be,” while adding that he believed Maradona had supported Argentina during his life and continued to do so from “heaven.”
The Argentina captain also paid tribute to his father, who died on August 8, 2026, aged 68, following a long illness.
Sharing a photograph of himself in the Argentina shirt and looking towards the sky, Messi wrote: “You don’t know how much we missed you last night…”
Messi had also remembered his father during his emotional farewell on the pitch after the match against Benin, saying his first thought amid the emotions of the occasion was of “mi viejo”, his father.
During the farewell, the Argentina captain thanked his family, friends, teammates, coaches and the clubs that supported his international career.
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He also expressed gratitude to God and Argentina’s supporters for standing by the team through both its triumphs and setbacks.
Messi’s reported international farewell has brought the curtain down on one of the most celebrated careers in Argentine football, with his tributes to Maradona and his father adding a deeply personal element to the occasion.
Messi scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium on Monday night in front of more than 85,000 supporters.
The match was his 208th appearance for Argentina, concluding a 21-year international career in which he became the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
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