Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday in a farewell friendly match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, closing a remarkable international career that spanned more than two decades. The 39-year-old forward, who has served as Argentina’s captain and leading figure, will hand over the captain’s armband as the national team ushers in a new generation of players.
Messi’s international tenure is marked by a series of historic achievements, including leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, securing two Copa América titles, and winning the 2022 Finalissima. He departs as Argentina’s most capped player with 207 appearances, as well as its all-time top scorer with 125 goals and record-holder for assists with 68. His emotional retirement announcement in August highlighted his belief that younger players deserve the opportunity to succeed, stating, "I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give."
The farewell match will be attended by approximately 85,000 fans and several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, many of whom will be on hand to celebrate Messi’s legacy. Notable veterans such as Angel Di María, who retired from international football in 2024, will also be present. The event is seen as a symbolic passing of the torch to emerging talents including Franco Mastantuono, Leonel Flores, Nicolás Paz, Gianluca Prestianni, and others who plan to carry forward Argentina’s footballing tradition.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni, who has been instrumental in building a competitive side around Messi’s brilliance, expressed confidence that the national team will continue to thrive despite the void left by their iconic captain. "Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo," Scaloni said, acknowledging the challenge of replacing a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. The coach also indicated that the No. 10 shirt, famously worn by Messi, will remain vacant until after the farewell match before deciding its next recipient.
The match follows recent displays by Argentina’s developing players, including a 4-0 victory over Bolivia and a 7-0 win against Burkina Faso, evidencing promising signs of competitiveness without Messi on the field. The new captain is expected to be Cristian Romero, who is next in the hierarchy behind Messi and vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi, who is also expected to retire after the friendly.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, but following the death of his father, Jorge, earlier this year, he has hinted that he may end his playing career sooner. Fans and officials alike are preparing to celebrate his contributions and look forward with cautious optimism toward Argentina’s forthcoming campaigns, including the 2028 Copa América, which will test how well the team adapts to this new era.