Lionel Messi will bring the curtain down on his glittering Argentina career on Tuesday with a farewell friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old superstar will hand over the captain's armband for good as he makes his final appearance in the Albiceleste jersey. Messi will be joined by 85,000 spectators and several teammates from the 2022 World Cup-winning squad.
Messi's international legacy includes a World Cup title, two Copa America crowns, and the Finalissima. He bows out as Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 games, as well as a record 68 assists. His farewell comes two and a half months after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi exited in tears.
Members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad, including Angel Di María, will be present to witness the passing of the torch to a new generation. Several newcomers, including Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores, were not even born when Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the farewell match will be an unforgettable day for everyone.
Argentina's new generation has already shown promise, defeating Bolivia 4-0 and Burkina Faso 7-0 in recent friendlies. Young talents Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez were among the scorers against Bolivia, while Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scored their first international goals against Burkina Faso. Scaloni will also say goodbye to 38-year-old vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi.
Defender Cristian Romero is set to inherit the captain's armband, first worn by Messi at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are next in the captaincy hierarchy. They have begun to rally around Messi's heirs, who have shown an appetite for success in recent friendlies.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, but may hang up his boots for good sooner than anticipated following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago. He announced his international retirement in August, saying he had given it his all and that there were great young players coming up who deserved their chance.
The friendly match against Benin marks a symbolic passing of the torch for a player regarded by many as the greatest footballer in history. Scaloni is negotiating a contract extension after leaving his future unresolved following the World Cup defeat in July. One small question remains: who will inherit Messi's number 10 shirt? Scaloni said a decision will be made after Tuesday's match.
Key points
- Lionel Messi to bid farewell to Argentina national team in friendly match against Benin
- Messi's international legacy includes a World Cup title, two Copa America crowns, and the Finalissima
- Defender Cristian Romero set to inherit the captain's armband from Messi
