Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina this Tuesday, concluding a legendary 21-year international career in an emotional farewell at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental. An audience of 85,000 supporters will pack into South America’s largest stadium to witness the 39-year-old icon in a friendly match against Benin, while millions of fans watch the proceedings on television.
Reflecting on his decision, which was initially announced in August, Messi noted, “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.” His final training session took place on Monday at the Ezeiza complex, drawing devoted fans like retail worker Nahuel Nieva, who skipped work to catch a glimpse of their idol. While Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, he has hinted at a potential early retirement from all professional football following the recent passing of his father, Jorge. Although following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he revealed he may hang up his boots for good sooner than anticipated, messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028. That’s it,” Nahuel Nieva, a retail worker who took the day off work to watch his hero train, told the media, you can’t ask for more.
The match will feature several of the teammates who secured glory in Qatar, including Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez. Following this fixture, the captaincy is set to pass to defender Cristian Romero. Coach Lionel Scaloni is currently focused on navigating the transition period, stating that the iconic number 10 jersey will not be reassigned until after Messi’s final game is completed. Some of whom weren’t even alive when Messi debuted with the team in 2005, are auspicious, coach Lionel Scaloni has vowed to try fill the “void” left by his talismanic captain and the signs from the next generation.
Argentina has already begun life without their talisman, demonstrating depth in recent friendly victories. Following their defeat to Spain in this year’s World Cup final, the team secured a 4-0 win over Bolivia in Cordoba and a 7-0 victory against Burkina Faso, where emerging stars Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni netted their first international goals. These positive results help alleviate the frustration stemming from the disciplinary fallout following the aggressive conduct displayed during the Spain match. Minus Messi, Argentina thrashed Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly in Cordoba on Wednesday before running rings around Burkina Faso on Saturday at Monumental stadium, in their first games since the World Cup final last week.
Messi departs as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, boasting 125 goals, 207 appearances, and a record 68 assists. Throughout his tenure, he secured the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2005 World Youth Championship, the 2008 Olympic gold, and the 2022 Finalissima. Despite these historic highs, his career with the Albiceleste also included difficult defeats, such as the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany, the 2016 Copa America disappointment against Chile, and the recent final against Spain. No effort has been spared for the sendoff of a player considered one of the game’s greatest ever. As well as a record 68 assists.”La Pulga” (The Flea) won the eternal gratitude of Argentinians — and sealed his place as rightful heir to Diego Maradona — in 2022 when he ended their 36-year World Cup drought in Qatar, messi is not only Argentina’s record appearance-maker but also its leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 games.
