Nollywood actress and filmmaker Uche Jombo has joined the wave of tributes to Lionel Messi ahead of the football star’s final appearance for Argentina.
Messi is set to wear the Argentina shirt for the last time on Tuesday, October 6, when the World Cup holders face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The Argentine Football Association has dedicated the match to the 39-year-old captain as he brings his international career to a close.
Reacting to the impending farewell, Jombo shared an emotional message on Instagram, admitting that she struggled to find the right words to say goodbye to the football icon.
The actress described Messi as a player who inspired many people to fall in love with football and said she was grateful that he would continue playing at club level.
“I honestly don’t know how to say goodbye to you, Leo!” Jombo wrote.
She reflected on the years fans spent watching Messi endure setbacks, celebrate victories and eventually lead Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
Jombo also recalled the qualities she admired in the Argentine captain, including his determination, resilience and ability to produce decisive moments on the pitch.
“You gave us memories that will stay with us forever,” she wrote.
For Jombo, Messi’s departure from international football represents more than the end of a player’s national-team career. She said it feels like the closing of an era that has also been part of the personal stories of millions of football fans.
“And maybe that’s why this goodbye hurts so much. Because it feels like we’re saying goodbye to a part of an era… a part of our own story,” she said.
The actress thanked Messi for showing fans the importance of perseverance, particularly through periods when success appeared out of reach.
She also celebrated his journey from Rosario to becoming one of the most recognisable figures in world football.
“Thank you for making football feel like art. The little boy from Rosario became a legend of the world. There will never be another like you!!!” Jombo wrote.
Messi enters his farewell as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 207 international appearances and 125 goals. His international honours include the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
Although his Argentina career is ending, Messi is expected to continue playing club football for Inter Miami.
Jombo ended her tribute with a simple message to the departing captain: “Gracias, Leo. The game will never be the same without you.”
