Messi Set for Emotional Final Argentina Appearance Against Benin

Lionel Messi is set to wear Argentina’s famous sky-blue-and-white shirt for the final time on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.

About 85,000 supporters are expected to pack the stadium for an emotional farewell to the 39-year-old, whose 21-year international career has made him Argentina’s most-capped player and leading scorer. Millions more are expected to watch the occasion around the world.

Messi announced his retirement from international football in August, saying he had given everything to Argentina and that a new generation deserved its opportunity. He completed his final training session with the national team on Monday at the complex named after him in Ezeiza.

The forward is still contracted to Inter Miami until 2028, but his long-term playing future remains uncertain. Following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, Messi has indicated that he could bring his entire playing career to an earlier end than previously expected.

Argentina will begin life without their iconic captain with several players expected to take on greater responsibility. Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are among the established stars set to feature, while Romero is expected to take over the captaincy.

Coach Lionel Scaloni has already started preparing for the challenge of replacing Messi. Argentina have won their first two matches without him, beating Bolivia 4-0 before thrashing Burkina Faso 7-0 at the Monumental. Young forwards Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni both scored their first international goals in the latter victory.

Messi leaves behind a remarkable international record of 207 appearances, 125 goals and 68 assists. His greatest achievement came in 2022, when he inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar and ended the country’s 36-year wait for the trophy, securing his place alongside Diego Maradona among Argentina’s football icons.

His career with the national team also included the 2005 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, the 2008 Olympic gold medal, Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. Argentina also endured painful defeats during his career, including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and the 2016 Copa America final against Chile. After Tuesday’s farewell, attention will turn to one final question: who will inherit Argentina’s coveted No. 10 shirt?