Messi set for final Argentina appearance

Lionel Messi is expected to play his final match for Argentina on Tuesday, bringing an end to a 21-year international career. The 39-year-old is set to face Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires in what is expected to become a major farewell ceremony.

Around 85,000 fans are expected to attend the match to bid farewell to the captain who led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while millions more are expected to watch the game on television, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Messi announced in August his decision to end his international career, also pointing to the emergence of a new generation of players.

He made his Argentina debut in 2005 and is set to leave the national team with historic records, including 207 appearances, 125 goals and 68 assists.

With Argentina, Messi won six major titles: the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, an Olympic gold medal in 2008, the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022 and, most notably, the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The triumph in Qatar marked the high point of his international career, ending Argentina’s 36-year wait to win football’s biggest prize.

Messi also featured in six World Cups between 2006 and 2026, setting records for appearances and victories in the competition.

River Plate’s Monumental Stadium holds particular significance for Messi. In 28 matches there with Argentina, he has recorded 22 wins and six draws without a single defeat, scoring 19 goals.

Following Messi’s departure, one of the major questions facing Argentina will be who inherits the iconic No. 10 shirt.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni has said the No. 10 will not be given to another player until after Messi’s final match.

After more than two decades, Argentina is preparing to bid farewell to one of the greatest figures in football history.

Photo: Instagram/leomessi