Lionel Messi bids farewell to the Argentina national team in style, recalling his old promise to watch a Flamengo match at the Maracanã.
Lionel Messi‘s journey wearing the Argentina national team shirt reached its final chapter this Tuesday (6). In an emotional celebration at the Monumental de Nuñez Stadium in Buenos Aires, the star led the team to a 3-0 victory over the Benin national team, adding another goal and two assists to his career tally.
As the soccer world turns its eyes to the icon’s international retirement, Flamengo fans recall an old connection between the number 10 and Flamengo. Although he never officially played on Brazilian soil against Mais Querido, the Argentine star has previously shown affection for the Rio de Janeiro club.
The indirect relationship began in 2007, when Flamengo officially signed forward Maxi Biancucchi, Messi‘s cousin. At the time, the young star, newly emerged at Barcelona, celebrated his relative’s transfer to Brazilian soccer, highlighting the stature of the Rubro-Negro institution to the international press.
The promise at the Maracanã and Maxi’s legacy
In an interview with the sports newspaper Olé, the 2022 World Cup champion expressed his delight at the new step in his cousin’s career and revealed plans to visit Rio de Janeiro.
Messi stated:
I am happy because he is happy. He is going to a huge club in Brazil, known all over the world
On that occasion, the star even signaled his desire to be present in the stands of the Maracanã to support his relative, a plan that ultimately did not materialize due to his intense schedule in Europe. Meanwhile, Maxi Biancucchi defended Rubro-Negro between 2007 and 2009, making 69 appearances, scoring seven goals, and playing a key role in winning the 2009 Brazilian Serie A title and the 2008 and 2009 Carioca Championships.
Emotion and a show in Buenos Aires
The official farewell from Argentina was marked by tears during the national anthem and visual tributes on the pitch. Once the ball rolled, the first half required patience from the South American side, but play paused for a minute in the tenth minute for a warm round of applause for the number 10.
In the second half, the star’s talent took center stage in the 3-0 victory. The icon delivered the corner kick that led to Nicolás Otamendi‘s goal, set up Nico Paz for the second—reaching 70 assists for his national team—and capped off the night by converting a Panenka penalty into the top corner, scoring his 126th goal wearing the Albiceleste colors.
The end of Lionel Messi‘s run with the Albiceleste cements a golden era in global sports. For fans of South American soccer, the memory remains that the greatest player of this generation felt an affinity for the mystique of the Maracanã and the greatness of Brazilian soccer.
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