Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday in a farewell friendly match against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental. The event marks the conclusion of the 39-year-old’s 21-year international career in front of a crowd of approximately 85,000 spectators. Millions more are expected to watch the game on television across South America.
Messi, Argentina’s most-capped player, announced his retirement from international football in August, two and a half months after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final. In his retirement statement, he said he had given everything for the national team and believed it was time to allow younger players to step forward.
On Monday, Messi participated in his final training session at the complex named in his honor in Ezeiza, a suburb of Buenos Aires, where fans gathered to offer their support. Reflecting on his departure, supporter Cecilia Adriano said Messi had given “absolutely everything” and deserved to rest after a storied international career.
Ahead of Tuesday’s match, the University of Buenos Aires plans to award Messi an honorary doctorate. Although Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, he has indicated that the loss of his father two months ago might lead to an earlier retirement from all professional football.
The farewell match will feature several members of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad from 2022 who are expected to form the core of the national team going forward, including defender Cristian Romero, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, and forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. After Messi’s final game, Romero will take over as team captain.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player of Messi’s caliber but remains optimistic about the emerging generation. Some of these younger players, such as Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni, have recently made their mark by scoring their first international goals during a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Monumental, one of two friendlies played without Messi after the World Cup. Earlier, Argentina secured a 4-0 win against Bolivia in Cordoba.
These positive results have helped the team begin moving past the disappointment of the World Cup final, where fatigue and a physical style of play marred Argentina’s efforts against Spain. Several players faced disciplinary actions following the final for aggressive conduct. As Messi steps away, the national team looks to build on its success while adapting to a Messi-less future.