Football superstar Lionel Messi readies for final Argentina match in farewell friendly

Lionel Messi is set to bring his remarkable Argentina career to an emotional close on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The match will mark Messi’s final appearance in the Argentina jersey after more than two decades representing his country. The 39-year-old is also expected to hand over the captain’s armband as Argentina begins a new chapter.

Around 85,000 fans are expected to attend the occasion, alongside several members of the squad that helped Messi win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and a number of Argentina’s emerging young players.

Messi’s Remarkable International Legacy

Messi leaves the Argentina national team with one of the most decorated international careers in football history.

His major achievements with Argentina include:

One FIFA World Cup title
Two Copa America trophies
One Finalissima title
125 international goals
207 appearances
A record 68 assists

He also finishes as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and record appearance-maker.

Messi announced his decision to step away from international football after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey. He said he had given everything for the national team and believed the time had come to give younger players their opportunity.

Although his Argentina career is ending, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028.

World Cup Teammates Reunite for Farewell

Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad will be present for Messi’s final international appearance.

Former Argentina winger Angel Di María, who retired from international football in 2024, is among those expected to attend the farewell.

The match will also bring together established stars and a younger generation of players who will be responsible for carrying Argentina forward.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the occasion as a memorable day for everyone involved and said the focus would be on enjoying Messi’s final appearance.

Argentina has already shown signs of being able to succeed without its legendary captain.

The team defeated Bolivia 4-0 in its first match after the World Cup final before producing an impressive 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Monumental.

Young players such as Nico Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni have begun making their mark for the national team.

Their emergence gives Argentina confidence that a strong generation is ready to take responsibility following Messi’s departure.

Cristian Romero Set to Take Over Captaincy

With Messi stepping away, defender Cristian Romero is expected to become Argentina’s next captain.

Romero, who was part of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, has emerged as an important leader in the squad.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and forward Lautaro Martinez are also among the players next in line for the captaincy.

Veterans including Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso could also be making their final appearances for Argentina during the Benin friendly.

Who Will Wear Messi’s No. 10 Shirt?

One of the biggest questions following Messi’s retirement will be who inherits Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt.

Scaloni has confirmed that the number will not be handed to another player until after Messi’s farewell match.

The No. 10 jersey has become synonymous with Messi during his Argentina career, following in the footsteps of another national icon, Diego Maradona.

For now, the shirt will remain Messi’s as Argentina prepares to celebrate the end of an extraordinary international era.

Tuesday’s match against Benin will be more than a friendly. It will represent the end of Messi’s remarkable international journey and the beginning of a new chapter for the reigning world champions.

As thousands of supporters gather at the Monumental, Argentina will celebrate the player who helped deliver its biggest international triumphs while looking ahead to a new generation tasked with continuing the country’s success.