For Himgyap Tashi Lama, following Argentina was never a passing phase. He has been a devoted fan of Argentine football since the days of Diego Maradona. Lama then watched Lionel Messi inherit Maradona’s mantle and carry it to ultimate glory.

On Wednesday, Lama watched Messi bid his final goodbye to the fans in Argentinian jersey at the Buenos Aires-based Estadio Mas Monumental.

“I started following Argentina through Maradona. I fell in deep love with Argentina through Messi,” Lama told the Post over a phone call from Buenos Aires after the conclusion of Argentina’s friendly against Benin. “It was a farewell befitting the legend.”

Lama, who hails from Mugu district of Nepal, has been living in Colorado, USA, for a long time now. He was one of the happiest when Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023.

“I have watched Messi many times after he came to the USA,” Lama said. “I feel the happiest when I go to the stadium to watch Messi play.”

For many Nepalis who followed the World Cup through newspapers alongside television—which was slowly finding ways into the households of Kathmandu—during the late 1980s, Maradona was the greatest footballer.

From Maradona winning the World Cup in 1986 to getting suspended from the 1994 World Cup following a drug test, the joy and shock had reached the Himalayas. And then after that, for almost a decade, Argentinian football lacked a face. Until 2005.

Lionel Andrés “Leo” Messi was 18 when he made his senior debut for Argentina—during the friendly against Hungary on August 17, 2005. It was not a debut to remember as Messi, who entered as a substitute in the 64th minute, made a foul in less than a minute and was sent off with a direct red. Twenty-one years later, Messi departs as one of the greatest footballers to grace the world’s most-loved sport.

Lama says he feels lucky to have been able to witness his departure.

During the 2026 World Cup, Lama’s image—wearing Argentina’s jersey and cheering with the Nepali flag on his cheeks during the semifinal clash against England—flashed across screens worldwide. But the euphoria was short-lived. Messi’s unexpected retirement announcement after a devastating final loss to Spain left Lama crushed.

And when it was announced that Messi would play his last match in blue and white, Lama could not keep himself from travelling all the way to Argentina for it.

Lama arrived in Buenos Aires a couple of days before the match. He was also able to watch Argentina defeat Burkina Faso 7-0 on Sunday.

“But today was something extremely special,” said Lama, who had visited Argentina for the first time. “Everywhere in the Argentine capital, the talks were only about Messi. During the matchday, the way to the stadium was filled with ecstatic Messi fans.”

Lama was happier when Messi scored in his last game for Argentina. “As soon as the penalty was given, everyone knew who was going to take it,” he added. “No one was in doubt that Messi would not score then.”

Argentina won 3-0 over Benin. In the end, there were several celebrations and activities performed to commemorate the glorious days of Messi, football and Argentina.

“I was having mixed feelings after I left the stadium,” Lama said. “I was happy as well as sad.” 

Lama said he feels privileged that he will still see Messi play in the USA. Messi has his contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, he added. “I will definitely get to watch him play for two more years,” Lama said.

But watching Messi don the Argentine colours for the final time is something special, Lama said. “This will be a memory I will cherish forever,” he said.