Lionel Messi is set to bring the curtain down on his illustrious Argentina career with a collection of records that could stand for generations.
The Inter Miami forward is expected to make his 207th appearance for the Albiceleste when Argentina face Benin in his farewell international match in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
Messi will retire as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, a record that appears unlikely to be challenged anytime soon. The closest active player is Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, who has scored 42 goals for the national team.
The 39-year-old also holds the record for the most appearances in Argentina’s history. Former captain Javier Mascherano is second on the list with 147 caps, while Angel Di Maria finished his international career with 145 appearances.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is equally Argentina’s most-capped player at the FIFA World Cup, having made 34 appearances at the tournament.
Messi also leads the country’s World Cup scoring chart with 21 goals, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players to wear the famous sky blue and white jersey.
Another landmark achievement sees him share the record for the most goals in South American World Cup qualifiers. Messi and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez have both scored 31 goals in the competition.
With a World Cup title, two Copa America crowns and numerous individual honours to his name, Messi’s international legacy is widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history.
His farewell appearance against Benin will mark the end of an extraordinary 21-year journey with Argentina, during which he transformed from a teenage prodigy into the nation’s most decorated football icon.
