Editorial media
lz4.info
Football News

"He shows the irrational side of Argentina": Omar Da Fonseca pays tribute to Messi after his last match with Argentina

October 8, 2026Pablo Navarro3 мин

Omar Da Fonseca spoke about Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina on RMC's 'Rothen s'enflamme'. The commentator, who covered many of Messi's games, paid tribute to an unparalleled 'anti-athlete'.

Lionel Messi's departure leaves a significant void for Argentinians. His 208th and last international match against Benin on Tuesday night (3-0) marked the end of over two decades of international play, filled with numerous successes including the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, and the 2008 Olympic gold medal.

Da Fonseca, who commentated countless Barcelona matches for beIN Sports, shared the emotional experience felt by millions of Argentinians. "He embodies the irrational side of Argentina," the 66-year-old former player stated on RMC. "There was such enthusiasm; people traveled from all corners of Argentina, even without tickets. We place our idols on a pedestal, especially in football."

'Technically Extraordinary'

After more than 20 years, "La Pulga" retires from international football as Argentina's all-time leading scorer (126 goals), top assist provider (70), and most capped player (208). His physical build did not initially suggest such a prolonged and successful career. Da Fonseca emphasized this point: "In a way, he can be seen as an anti-athlete, especially compared to the era of Ronaldo, who is his complete opposite," he explained. "He made his mark with a street football style, the kind played during school breaks, dribbling around a tree with a tin can."

Recalling his personal experiences, Da Fonseca added, "Personally, I commentated on his very first match (against Espanyol Barcelona in October 2004). He was a small Argentine I didn't know, and he captivated me for so many evenings." He concluded, "I witnessed incredible moments because I saw him perform them. Technically extraordinary feats."

Omar Da Fonseca, a guest on RMC's 'Rothen s'enflamme' this Wednesday, naturally reacted to Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina. The commentator, who has covered his games countless times, paid homage to an unparalleled 'anti-athlete'.

Lionel Messi will leave a significant void in the hearts of Argentinians. By playing his 208th and final international match against Benin on Tuesday evening (3-0), the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has closed the chapter on over 20 years of international career, crowned with numerous successes (2022 World Cup, 2021 and 2024 Copa América, and Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008).

Having commentated an innumerable number of his matches at Barça for beIN Sports, Omar Da Fonseca, like millions of other Argentinians, experienced a somewhat unique evening. "He shows the irrational side of Argentina," the 66-year-old former player reacted on RMC's 'Rothen s'enflamme' this Wednesday. "There was such enthusiasm; people came from the north and south of Argentina, and they didn't have tickets. We place our idols at the very top, especially in football."

'Technically Extraordinary'

After more than 20 years, "La Pulga" has retired from international play, holding the status of Argentina's all-time top scorer (126 goals), best assist provider (70), and most capped player (208). Yet, his physique did not foretell such a career. It is on this point that Omar Da Fonseca wished to insist. "In a way, he can be considered an anti-athlete, because he experienced the era of Ronaldo, who is his complete opposite," he elaborated. "He imposed himself with street football, the kind we play during school breaks, dribbling around a tree with a tin can."

Before sharing his personal memories: "Personally, I commentated on his first match (against Espanyol Barcelona, in October 2004, editor's note), a little Argentine I didn't know. And he would captivate me for many evenings." "I lived through great moments because I saw him do it," he concluded. "Technically extraordinary things."

Section

Fresh materials — Football News