Lionel Messi is preparing for his final appearance in an Argentina shirt. The captain will face Benin in a farewell friendly on Tuesday. The match will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Around 85,000 supporters are expected to attend the emotional occasion. After more than two decades with the national team, his departure marks the end of a major era for Argentina. Messi has played a central role in Argentina’s success for many years. His international career includes a World Cup title and two Copa America trophies.
He also helped Argentina win the Finalissima. The 39-year-old leaves as the team’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer. Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 international matches. He also holds the record for 68 assists for Argentina. The farewell comes after his decision to retire from international football. Messi announced his retirement in August. He said he had given everything for his country. He also pointed to the young players waiting for their opportunity.
Argentina prepares for a new era
The match against Benin will also introduce a new phase for Argentina. Several players from the 2022 World Cup squad will attend. Angel Di Maria is among the former teammates expected at the farewell. He retired from international football in 2024. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the occasion as an unforgettable day. He also acknowledged the importance of Messi’s contribution. Scaloni said the team must now work collectively to fill Messi’s absence. The coach is also negotiating a contract extension.
Nicolas Otamendi could also make his final Argentina appearance. Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso were selected specifically for the Benin match. Cristian Romero is expected to become an important leader after Messi’s departure. He is also set to inherit the captain’s armband. Other senior players include Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Argentina has already shown signs of progress without its captain. The team recently defeated Bolivia 4-0 in Cordoba. Young players Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez scored in that victory. Argentina then recorded a 7-0 win over Burkina Faso. Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scored their first international goals. Their performances have strengthened expectations around Argentina’s next generation.
Messi’s number 10 remains a major question
Messi’s departure also raises questions about Argentina’s famous number 10 shirt. Scaloni said the team would not give the shirt to another player before Messi’s farewell. A decision will come after Tuesday’s match. The moment will therefore carry significance beyond the result. It will formally mark the transition from Messi’s generation to a younger group. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028. However, his future in football could change sooner. His international farewell closes a remarkable chapter with Argentina. The Benin match will give fans a chance to celebrate his contribution.
For Argentina, the focus will then shift toward maintaining its success without its longtime captain. The team must build around its emerging players.
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