Lionel Messi is set to bring his illustrious international career with Argentina to an end on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
After more than 20 years representing his country, the 39-year-old will make his final appearance in the Argentina shirt and relinquish the captain’s armband permanently.
About 85,000 fans are expected to attend the international farewell, alongside several members of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and players from the country’s emerging generation.
The match is expected to symbolise the passing of the torch from Messi to a new generation following his remarkable international career, which includes a World Cup triumph, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances and provided a record 68 assists.
His farewell comes two and a half months after Argentina lost a heated World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey, with Messi leaving the pitch in tears after struggling to influence the match.
“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 wrote when announcing his international retirement in August.
Although Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami until 2028, he recently suggested that he could end his playing career earlier than expected following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago.
Friends reunited
Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families will join Messi at Tuesday’s farewell against Benin, who are ranked 93rd in the world.
Former Argentina international Angel Di María, who retired from international football in 2024, will also attend as Messi’s era gives way to a new generation tasked with maintaining the country’s success.
Some of the younger players, including Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores, were not born when Messi, known as “La Pulga” (“The Flea”), made his Argentina debut in 2005.
“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,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.
Argentina’s emerging players have already demonstrated their ability to perform without their long-time captain, although replacing a player widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history will be a significant challenge.
“Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo,” said Scaloni, who is discussing a contract extension after his future remained uncertain following the World Cup defeat in July.
Scaloni will also bid farewell to 38-year-old vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi, while midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso were selected only for the Benin friendly, potentially marking their final appearances for Argentina.
New generation
Other members of the 2022 World Cup squad expected to lead Argentina into the post-Messi era include defender Cristian Romero, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, and forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Romero is expected to take over as captain, succeeding Messi, who first wore the armband at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are next in line for the captaincy.
The senior players have already begun supporting Argentina’s next generation, who made an impressive start to life after the World Cup final by defeating Bolivia 4-0 in Cordoba last Wednesday.
Youngsters Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez were among the scorers.
Argentina followed that victory with a 7-0 win over Burkina Faso at the Monumental on Saturday, with Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scoring their first international goals.
As Argentina begins preparing for life without Messi, one symbolic question remains: who will inherit his famous number 10 shirt?
“We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place,” Scaloni said. “After that, we’ll see.”