Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Gatekeepers News reports that the 39-year-old forward will bring an end to more than two decades of international service, with around 85,000 fans expected to witness his final appearance in the Albiceleste jersey.
Several members of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will join Messi for the farewell, alongside a new generation of players expected to carry the team forward.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances and a record 68 assists.
His international career also includes a World Cup title, two Copa America triumphs and a Finalissima victory.
The farewell comes two and a half months after Argentina’s controversial World Cup final defeat by Spain in New Jersey, where Messi left the pitch in tears after a subdued performance.
Announcing his retirement from international football in August, Messi said:
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.”
Although Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, he has suggested that he could end his playing career earlier than expected following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago.
Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families will be present for Tuesday’s farewell against Benin, who are ranked 93rd in the world.
Former international teammate Angel Di María, who retired from Argentina duty in 2024, will also be among those attending as the team prepares for a new chapter.
Several of the emerging players, including Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores, were not yet born when Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the occasion as a special moment for the team and supporters.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone. Everyone wants to be at this match, and now it’s just about enjoying it,” Scaloni said.
Argentina Prepare for Life After Messi
Argentina’s younger generation has already demonstrated its potential in the absence of the captain, although Scaloni acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player widely regarded as one of football’s greatest ever.
“Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo,” the coach said.
Scaloni is also negotiating a contract extension after his future remained uncertain following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat.
Tuesday’s match will additionally mark the international farewell of 38-year-old vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi.
Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have also been called up specifically for the Benin friendly, leaving their own international futures uncertain.
Among the established players expected to lead Argentina after Messi are defender Cristian Romero, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, and forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Romero is expected to inherit the captain’s armband that Messi first wore at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are next in the leadership hierarchy.
Argentina’s emerging stars have already offered glimpses of what the future could hold. The team defeated Bolivia 4-0 in Cordoba in its first match since the World Cup final, with Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez among the scorers.
They followed that victory with a 7-0 thrashing of Burkina Faso at the Monumental on Saturday, with Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni both scoring their first international goals.
With Argentina’s post-Messi era beginning to take shape, one question remains unresolved: who will inherit the iconic No. 10 shirt?
Scaloni said the number would remain with Messi until after his farewell.
“We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place. After that, we’ll see.”
