Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance with Argentina on Tuesday, October 5, in a farewell match against Benin at El Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. This match marks the end of an illustrious journey that has spanned over two decades. Messi's international career began on August 17, 2005, in a friendly game against Hungary, where he was sent off just 47 seconds after being subbed in.
Initially, Messi faced criticism from Argentina fans due to his limited playing time in the country and his struggles to replicate his club form with the national team. He was labeled "pecho frio," or someone who lacked heart or fire, by Argentine journalist and author Sergio Levinsky. However, Messi's perception began to change after he led Argentina to a comeback win over Colombia in a 2011 World Cup qualifier.
The bond between Messi and Argentine fans grew stronger over the years, particularly after he announced his retirement from the national team following a penalty shootout defeat to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final. Fans publicly pleaded with him to reconsider his decision, and the appointment of Lionel Scaloni as Argentina's head coach marked the beginning of Messi's golden era with the national team.
Under Scaloni's leadership, Messi guided Argentina to win two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 and to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. These achievements triggered comparisons with another Argentine icon, Diego Maradona. However, Levinsky rejects the comparison, stating that Messi and Maradona were both geniuses in different eras.
Messi's international career has been marked by impressive statistics, including 193 games, 112 goals, 61 assists, and 6 trophies. The farewell match against Benin aims to provide "the best player in the world [with] the home send-off he truly deserves," according to the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
The match is expected to be an emotional event, with Scaloni describing it as "an unforgettable day." Messi's journey with Argentina has been a long and legendary one, and fans will have the opportunity to pay tribute to his contributions to the team.
As Messi closes this chapter of his career, his legacy in Argentine football is cemented. With a career spanning over 20 years, Messi has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his farewell match against Benin will be a fitting tribute to his dedication and achievements with Argentina.
Key points
- Lionel Messi plays his final game for Argentina against Benin on October 5.
- Messi's international career spans over two decades, with 193 games and 112 goals.
- The farewell match aims to provide Messi with a fitting send-off, described as "an unforgettable day" by Scaloni.
