Unforgettable Farewell: Megan Rapinoe Leads US Women's National Team to Glorious Victory

Megan Rapinoe, the internationally renowned soccer player, will bid farewell to her national team career on a high note. In an exhibition match at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, the United States Women's National Team emerged victorious with a 2-0 win against South Africa, marking Rapinoe's final appearance for the team.

The California-born midfielder, aged 38, led the team as captain and featured in the starting lineup for the final game of a two-match series. Prior to the match, Rapinoe was honored with a jersey displaying the number "203," signifying her total appearances for the national team.

Rapinoe's family and her fiancée, former WNBA star Sue Bird, were present at the match and shared a heartfelt embrace with the retiring athlete.

The United States took the lead with an early goal from Trinity Rodman in the 18th minute.

US forward Megan Rapinoe played the final match of her international career on Sunday.

In the 49th minute, Rapinoe took a corner kick that resulted in a goal by Emily Sonnett, increasing their lead. As she celebrated with her teammates, Rapinoe performed her well-known celebration, spreading her arms wide, much to the delight of the crowd.

Rapinoe made an impressive free kick moments later, narrowly missing a goal. In the 54th minute, she was substituted and the audience gave her a heartfelt applause. Overwhelmed with emotion, Rapinoe waved to the crowd and shared a final embrace with her teammates and coaches.

Rapinoe expressed her gratitude to the crowd at Soldier Field following the game, acknowledging their overwhelming support.

"We have given our all on the field, enjoyed every moment, and achieved great success, all while being motivated by your cheers," Rapinoe stated.

In this photograph taken on June 28, 2019, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, the United States' forward Megan Rapinoe celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the quarter-final match of the France 2019 Women's World Cup against France. (FRANCK FIFE / AFP/AFP via Getty Images)

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"It is a tremendous privilege for me to don this jersey and join forces with these extraordinary athletes, while nonchalantly bringing my childhood aspiration to life, on a global stage," she expressed.

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The athlete conveyed her gratitude to her teammates, the US Soccer Federation, and her family, expressing that she felt privileged to have been a part of the team for such a significant period of time.

"I am proud to become an alumni of this team and witness its continued success. ... I have deep affection for all of you," Rapinoe concluded, leaving the field amidst resounding cheers.

Megan Rapinoe of the United States and OL Reign warms up ahead of the Group E match between the United States and Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 on July 27th, 2023. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via AP)

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Megan Rapinoe reflects on US national team 'lasting impact' ahead of final match before retirement

Rapinoe made her debut in 2006 and has since scored 63 goals and recorded 73 assists, placing her in the top 10 for both categories in the history of the US women's team. Additionally, she achieved a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and secured two World Cup trophies in 2015 and 2019.

Also in 2019, Rapinoe was awarded the Ballon dOr Féminin and FIFAs The Best award.