Emotional Messi given Argentina farewell he ´always dreamed of´

Lionel Messi says his Argentina farewell was something he “always dreamed of” after playing his final competitive home match on Thursday.

Messi scored a brace, netting his two goals on either side of Lautaro Martinez’s header, as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 win over Venezuela in their penultimate World Cup qualifier.

The 38-year-old confirmed last week that the matches against Venezuela and Ecuador would be the final qualifiers he would play, though he made no further hints about his future retirement.

Messi almost capped off the performance with a hat-trick, seeing a late chip ruled out for offside, and was visibly emotional when showing his appreciation to the fans after the game, with some of those in the stands bowing to him.

Asked about the reception, Messi relayed his joy at getting to say farewell to the supporters in Buenos Aires.

“There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field,” Messi said after the game.

“It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.

“For many years, I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here, too, in my country with my people. For many years, a lot of things were said, but well, I’ll stay with all the good. All the good with the group that tried it couldn’t get it and concentrate.

“Then, I was given it and some of the players in the roster and the past one. Everything we lived was beautiful. Today was the last one for points here.”

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