Enzo Fernández Pays Emotional Tribute to Argentina Captain Lionel Messi

Enzo Fernández was overcome with emotion as Lionel Messi addressed Argentina supporters at the Monumental Stadium following the 3-0 victory over Benin, with the Manchester City midfielder later describing the occasion as a difficult farewell to his captain and childhood hero.

Farewell at the Monumental

Images of Fernández in tears spread rapidly online as Messi delivered his message after the final whistle. The midfielder said the night brought conflicting emotions, while expressing hope that Messi had been able to enjoy the tribute.

“It was an incredibly emotional day, with so many feelings involved,” Fernández said as he left the stadium. “I hope Leo enjoyed it. We will miss him enormously.”

Fernández subsequently shared a personal message tracing his admiration for Messi back to his teenage years. He recalled writing to the forward in 2016, when Messi briefly stepped away from international football, and wondering whether his own career would develop quickly enough for them to become Argentina team-mates.

As a 15-year-old, Fernández said he would compare their ages and calculate the time Messi might have left at the highest level against the years he would need to reach the First Division. His ambition was simply to share the field with his idol once for Argentina.

That hope was fulfilled on the sport’s biggest stage when the pair won the World Cup together in Qatar. Fernández also stressed that Messi’s significance went beyond their achievements with the national side.

He said he had arrived in the senior squad wanting to play alongside the player he had admired growing up, but found a captain who immediately made him feel welcome. Fernández credited Messi with offering encouragement, advice and reassurance whenever it was needed.

“From the start, you made me feel part of the group,” Fernández wrote. “There was always a kind word, guidance, a hug, or a way of helping me settle. I will always remember it.”

He thanked Messi for his treatment of him, the lessons he had passed on and the opportunity to share part of the captain’s Argentina story.

With further international windows ahead, Fernández admitted he cannot yet picture an Argentina training camp without Messi, nor taking to the pitch without seeing the No. 10 in the attacking line.

“That boy who kept making those calculations was so fortunate,” Fernández said. “We are going to miss you greatly, captain.”