Barcelona pay tribute to Lionel Messi after Argentina farewell with special Beijing 2008 image

Barcelona pay tribute to Lionel Messi after Argentina farewell with special Beijing 2008 image Barcelona have marked Lionel Messi’s farewell to the Argentina national team with a message that looks back to the very beginning of his international success. Shortly after Messi brought his 21-year spell with Argentina to an emotional close at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, Barça posted a tribute featuring the former captain wearing the gold medal he won at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The choice of image carries plenty of history, as it was during those Games that Messi helped Argentina win Olympic gold, despite Barcelona initially being reluctant to release their young star for the tournament. Barcelona recall Messi’s Beijing 2008 success Barcelona’s message focused on the transformation of Messi from a young Olympic champion into Argentina’s most decorated and recognisable footballer. “From that gold medal in Beijing in 2008 to an unforgettable career, making history every step of the way with La Albiceleste.  “Congratulations, Leo, for continuing to make Argentina’s jersey even more iconic,” read the message.   The Beijing tournament remains an important chapter in Messi’s international story.  This is because Barcelona initially wanted him available for their Champions League qualifying campaign and resisted releasing him, but FIFA forced the club to allow the then-under-23 player to travel. Barça subsequently appealed, which ruled in the club’s favour. However, with Messi already in China, newly appointed manager Pep Guardiola decided against calling him back. Messi assisted twice and scored a goal in his farewell game for Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) The decision proved significant, as Messi scored twice during the tournament and Argentina eventually defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the final to claim the gold medal. Messi ends Argentina career with another memorable night More than 17 years later, Messi produced another special performance in what became his final appearance for Argentina, who defeated Benin 3-0 at a packed Monumental, with Messi involved in every goal.  He first provided the assist for Nicolas Otamendi before setting up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second. The Barcelona legend then completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, taking his international tally to 126 goals.