Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old superstar will say goodbye to the Albiceleste after more than two decades of international service.
Around 85,000 spectators are expected to attend the farewell match. Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad will also be present.
The friendly against Benin marks an emotional moment for Argentine football. It also represents a transition toward a new generation of players.
Messi leaves behind a remarkable international record. His achievements include a World Cup title and two Copa America crowns.
He also helped Argentina win the Finalissima. The forward retires as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer.
Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 international games. He has also provided a record 68 assists for his country.
His farewell comes two and a half months after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. The match was played in New Jersey.
Messi left the field in tears after struggling to make a major impact. He later confirmed his decision to end his international career.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi wrote when announcing his retirement.
He also pointed to the emergence of younger players. Messi said they deserved opportunities to represent Argentina.
World Cup Winners Reunite
Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad will reunite for the farewell match. Their families are also expected to attend the event.
Former captain Angel Di Maria will be among those present. He retired from international football in 2024.
The occasion will allow Argentina’s older generation to celebrate Messi’s career. It will also introduce a new era for the national team.
Several young players were not born when Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005. That debut came when Diego Maradona’s legacy still dominated Argentine football.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the farewell as an unforgettable occasion. He said everyone wanted to attend the match and enjoy the moment.
Scaloni also acknowledged the challenge of replacing Messi. He said Argentina would collectively attempt to fill the gap left by its captain.
The coach will also bid farewell to 38-year-old vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso were called up only for the Benin match.
Their future international involvement remains uncertain.
Argentina Prepares for a New Era
Several experienced players are expected to lead Argentina after Messi’s departure. These include Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez.
Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are also expected to play important roles. Romero is likely to inherit the captain’s armband.
Messi first wore the Argentina captain’s armband at the 2010 World Cup. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are also among the leadership options.
Argentina’s younger players have already shown their potential. The team won 4-0 against Bolivia in its first match after the World Cup final.
Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez scored during that victory. Argentina then defeated Burkina Faso 7-0 at the Monumental.
Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scored their first international goals. Their performances offered further signs of Argentina’s emerging talent.
Despite the promising future, replacing Messi will be a major challenge. His influence has shaped Argentina’s football for many years.
Another symbolic issue is also awaiting a decision. Argentina must determine who will eventually wear Messi’s famous number 10 shirt.
Scaloni said the shirt would remain unused until Messi’s farewell match. The decision on its future will come after the ceremony.
For Argentina, the match is more than a friendly. It marks the end of Messi’s international journey and the beginning of a new chapter.
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