Photo: Collected
Lionel Messi created an emotional moment in his farewell speech to the national team at the historic Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While the fans in the gallery as well as the players present, including teammate Enzo Fernandez, broke down in tears, Messi was seen looking quite calm and confident.
However, what drew the most response at this farewell was Messi’s candid remarks about the various ‘conspiracy theories’ that had grown up around the last World Cup. Various juicy conspiracy theories and rumours had spread about the World Cup matches and his farewell from the national team.
Standing on the farewell stage, the Argentine captain brushed aside all that speculation with a snap of the fingers. He made it clear that nothing strange or mysterious had happened during the World Cup or behind the team’s performance. He said, ‘I always wish to keep playing in this jersey, but I felt that now is the right time to step aside. The last World Cup was truly very exhausting for us. We dreamed of becoming world champions again, and we got very close to the trophy too. Although many people said many things, to tell the truth nothing strange happened there. We gave our very best.’
Speaking of the intensity of the World Cup matches, Messi recalled the battle against England. He said that semi-final match had left the team extremely exhausted physically and mentally. He said, ‘The match against England drained us physically and mentally. The reality is that we somehow survived after absorbing that blow.’
Remembering those who fought for this jersey in the past, Messi said that whether they won trophies or not, everyone who played for the national team always gave their all.
Towards the end of his speech, Messi gave the team a message to stay united in the face of outside attacks and conspiracies. Cautioning his teammates, he said, ‘When we are together, we are stronger than anything. Harder times will come ahead, but we have to stay strong. There are some people who want to see the national team fall; we must never give them that satisfaction.’
Noting that the real strength of any team shows in times of danger, the superstar called for taking Argentina forward as a strong and united team.
