Lionel Messi Set for Emotional Argentina Farewell Against Benin

Lionel Messi will wear the Argentina shirt for the final time on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental, bringing an emotional end to one of the greatest international careers in football history.

The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football on August 31, saying he understood that “the time has come”. However, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) arranged one final appearance so the captain could receive the farewell it believes he deserves in front of his home supporters. The match, scheduled for 8 pm local time, has been sold out and is being billed as a celebration of Messi's extraordinary contribution to the national team.

Messi leaves Argentina after 21 years at senior international level, with a record 207 appearances and 125 goals. His greatest achievement came in 2022, when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024 and Olympic gold in 2008. He scored 21 World Cup goals and appeared at a record-tying six World Cups alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

His final international chapter follows Argentina's heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi did not play in Argentina's first two friendlies of the current international window, with the team beating Bolivia 4-0 before crushing Burkina Faso 7-0.

Those victories have offered encouragement about Argentina's future. Nicolás Paz, Franco Mastantuono and other emerging players have shown that the team has attacking talent capable of carrying the side forward, while established stars including Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández and Emiliano Martínez remain central to Scaloni's plans.

Scaloni has acknowledged that Messi is irreplaceable, but insists Argentina's playing identity can survive beyond its legendary No. 10. The coach is now focused on ensuring the next generation understands the team's style and maintains its high standards.

For Messi's farewell, Argentina will also wear a special-edition jersey inspired by the national flag, adding another symbolic touch to the occasion. After his final appearance, Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he recently won the Campeones Cup.

Tuesday's match will therefore be more than a friendly. It will mark the end of Messi's extraordinary Argentina journey and the beginning of a new era for the national team.