Argentina is set to bid farewell to soccer legend Lionel Messi in his final international match against Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The match, scheduled for 2 am Cairo time, is expected to draw a crowd of nearly 85,000 fans. This event marks the end of an era for Messi, who has been an integral part of the Argentine team for over two decades.
Messi's international career began in 2005 and has spanned 21 years, during which he has played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for Argentina. He holds the record for the most goals and most assists in the team's history, with 68 successful passes. Messi announced his retirement from international soccer in August, stating that he had given his all and had nothing more to offer.
Messi's achievements with Argentina include winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, and the 2022 Finalissima. He also won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with the under-23 team. Several of his teammates from the 2022 World Cup-winning squad are expected to attend the match, including Angel Di Maria, who retired from international soccer in 2024.
The match against Benin is not just a friendly; it symbolizes the end of an era for Argentina and the beginning of a new chapter. With Messi's retirement, the team will have to find a new leader and a player to wear the iconic number 10 jersey. Coach Lionel Scaloni has indicated that the number 10 jersey will not be assigned to any player before Messi's final match.
Brazilian soccer star Neymar da Silva paid tribute to Messi, expressing his admiration for the Argentine player's career and impact on the sport. Messi's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of players, and his final international match is expected to be an emotional and memorable event.
In the buildup to the match, tributes to Messi have been pouring in from around the world. A giant jersey with "Gracias" (thank you) was displayed in Messi's hometown of Rosario, and several players, including Croatian star Luka Modric and Spanish player Lamine Yamal, have paid homage to Messi by wearing the number 10 jersey during their team's training sessions.
As Argentina looks to the future without Messi, the team will have to navigate a new era and find a way to build on the success achieved during his playing career. The match against Benin will be a celebration of Messi's achievements and a chance for fans to bid farewell to a soccer legend.
Key points
- The match against Benin marks the end of Messi's 21-year international career with Argentina.
- Messi has played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for Argentina, holding records for most goals and assists.
- The match is expected to draw a crowd of nearly 85,000 fans at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
