Lionel Messi once again had a gesture for Argentine sports. Just a day after winning a new title with Inter Miami, the captain of the Argentine National Team appeared from a distance to support the athletes participating in the 2026 South American Games in Santa Fe.
The Rosario native recorded a video that was shared by the official channels of the competition and took the opportunity to greet the athletes representing their respective countries in Rosario, Santa Fe, and Rafaela. "Hello everyone. I wanted to send a big greeting to all the participants of the South American Games. I know many have already competed, congratulations to all who did, to those who won medals, and I wish good luck to all who have not yet competed and are about to do so now", Messi expressed.
The world champion also had a message for the athletes who still have competitions ahead. "I wish you all the best, sending a big hug and hope you are well", he added to close the greeting.
The gesture from the Flea did not go unnoticed by the organization of the South American Games, which publicly thanked the footballer's message through its official account on X: "Thank you, captain!".
His message came just hours after being crowned with his team in the Champions Cup, following a 2-0 victory against Cruz Azul. In that match, he scored one of the goals, provided an assist, and reached 100 goals with the Florida team. Additionally, with that trophy, he reached 49 titles in his professional career.
The "Last Dance" of Messi with the National Team
After confirming his retirement from the Argentine National Team, Lionel Messi's final performance in the albiceleste jersey now has a date and venue. The captain will play his farewell match on Tuesday, October 6 against Benin, at the Monumental, where more than 85,000 spectators, along with the World Champions of Qatar 2022 and their respective families, will be present to accompany him in the closing of his 21 years with the national team.
Tickets for the tribute are expected to go on sale at the end of September through Deportick, with reference prices ranging from $90,000 to $480,000.
