mehdi badaine

The day we never wanted to come is finally here. Tonight, Leo Messi will play his final match for the Argentina National Team. And speaking completely objectively, I can’t think of a more beautiful and emotional story in any sport than the one between Lionel Messi and Argentina. It’s the kind of story that I’m sure will one day become a movie and have books written about it. It’s a story that every person can use as motivation in life, no matter what happens, never give up and keep fighting for your dreams. You fall? Get back up. You fall again? Get back up again and keep fighting. This story had everything, sadness, happiness, injustice, justice, criticism, praise, defeats and victories. After so many disappointments, Leo Messi still managed to achieve absolutely everything with Argentina, everything that had always been his biggest dream in football. He achieved it through his leadership, his effort, and alongside an incredible group of players. I’ve watched six World Cups, and not a single one of them was without Messi. I don’t know the Argentina National Team without Messi, and I don’t know Messi without the Argentina National Team. I can’t imagine not having that extra excitement anymore, knowing: “Hoy juega Messi.” I don’t think any player will ever be able to give me the same feeling I had watching Messi play, especially when he was wearing the Argentina shirt. And maybe the worst part is realizing that, as time passes, it slowly takes away the childhood that Leo Messi gave us, and there’s absolutely nothing we can do to stop it. A 21-year story is coming to an end and I can proudly say that I regret nothing. I witnessed around 90% of Messi’s entire journey with Argentina, and throughout all those years, I never once turned against him. I suffered and enjoyed everything with him. It didn’t matter who Argentina were playing. Whether it was the World Cup, Copa América, World Cup qualifiers, or simply a friendly game, I can confidently say that whenever it was possible for me, I was there watching every single game. There’s really nothing more I can say. Thank you, Leo. This was the most beautiful story in the history of sport and I’m proud and grateful that, me, we, the fans, were able to be a part of it too. 🇦🇷🐐