It feels like just yesterday that Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch for Argentina, but the journey is finally coming to an end. It has been 21 wild years since his international debut in 2005 against Hungary—a rocky start where he was sent off just 43 seconds into the match. Since then, he has taken fans on an incredible ride through heartbreak, bitter defeats, and the kind of joyous victories that united a whole nation.
This Tuesday, Messi will play his final game for the national team against Benin. Looking back at his career from that early red card to his legendary status today, it is clear he has cemented his place in history. While it is sad to see him go, his legacy is already set in stone. Argentina says goodbye to its greatest player ever.