Lionel Messi has unveiled the special Argentina jersey he will wear for his final international appearance, with the legendary forward preparing to bid farewell to the national team against Benin on October 6. The farewell match will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, marking the end of Messi’s international career.
The commemorative shirt features a sky-blue base, a central white stripe, gold lettering and a Sun of May-inspired design. Messi shared a video of the shirt on Instagram, accompanied by the emotional message: “One last match. A jersey for a lifetime.” This reveal comes as Argentina prepares for a farewell event designed to celebrate one of the most successful careers in the country’s football history.
Messi’s final appearance will be his 208th for the national team, and the match was confirmed after the Argentine Football Association (AFA) invited the captain to return for an official farewell following his decision to retire from international football in August. The AFA president Claudio Tapia has also invited the members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to attend the event.
The Benin friendly will be the final fixture in a series of three matches for Argentina during the international window. Lionel Scaloni’s side will first face Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 before meeting Burkina Faso at the Monumental on October 3. Messi is expected to feature in the final match against Benin, which has been organised specifically as his farewell appearance.
The shirt also features a distinctive gold “M” emblem on the chest in place of the usual manufacturer branding. The design is intended to mark the significance of Messi’s final night in the famous blue-and-white colours, following more than two decades of international service. Messi retires as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals, and the country’s most-capped player.
Messi guided the national team to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima. His final competitive international appearance came during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign. With the Monumental preparing for an emotional night, Messi’s farewell jersey will serve as a lasting symbol of the final chapter of his remarkable journey with the national team.
The invitation to the 2022 World Cup-winning squad is intended to bring together the group that helped Argentina end its 36-year wait for the World Cup in Qatar. As Messi prepares to take the field for the last time, fans and teammates alike will gather to pay tribute to his illustrious career and achievements with the national team.
Key points
- Lionel Messi will wear a special jersey for his final international appearance against Benin on October 6.
- The commemorative shirt features a unique design with a sky-blue base, central white stripe, and gold lettering.
- Messi’s farewell match will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, marking the end of his international career.
