Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in an international friendly at Buenos Aires’ iconic Estadio Monumental.
More than 85,000 supporters are expected to pack the stadium to bid farewell to the 39-year-old, whose remarkable 21-year international career has cemented his status as one of football’s greatest players.
Messi announced his retirement from international football in August, ending a journey that began with his senior debut for Argentina in 2005.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi said when confirming his decision.
The Inter Miami star took part in his final training session with the national team on Monday at the training complex that bears his name in Ezeiza.
His departure comes just months after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final, a result that ultimately convinced him to bring his international career to a close.
Messi leaves as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, having registered 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 appearances for La Albiceleste.
His greatest achievement came in 2022 when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, ending the nation’s 36-year wait for football’s biggest prize.
During his illustrious international career, Messi also won two Copa América titles, Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games, the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Finalissima.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player of Messi’s stature but remains confident in the next generation of talent emerging within the squad.
Defender Cristian Romero, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández, and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez are expected to lead Argentina into a new era following Messi’s departure.
Romero is also set to inherit the captain’s armband after Tuesday’s farewell match.
Argentina have already shown encouraging signs without their talisman, recording convincing victories over Bolivia and Burkina Faso in recent friendlies.
Young stars Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni have further raised hopes for the future after scoring their first international goals during the latest international window.
One question remains unanswered ahead of Messi’s farewell: who will inherit Argentina’s iconic No. 10 jersey?
Scaloni has insisted no decision will be made until after the final whistle on Tuesday, ensuring the spotlight remains firmly on the man who has defined an era of Argentine football.
