Lionel Messi is set to wear Argentina’s famous sky-blue and white jersey for the final time on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in an emotional farewell at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.
About 85,000 supporters are expected to fill the stadium for the friendly, bringing the curtain down on the 39-year-old’s remarkable 21-year international career.
Messi, Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, announced his international retirement in August after helping the nation win the 2026 World Cup.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi said while announcing his decision, adding that emerging young players deserve their opportunity.
The Inter Miami forward has scored 125 goals and provided a record 68 assists in 207 appearances for Argentina. His greatest achievement came in 2022, when he led the country to its first World Cup triumph in 36 years in Qatar.
His international honours also include Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2008 Olympic gold medal and the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Argentina’s next generation has already offered encouraging signs. Without Messi, the team recently defeated Bolivia 4-0 before thrashing Burkina Faso 7-0, with Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scoring their first international goals.
Defender Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the captain’s armband after Messi’s farewell, while the identity of the next No.10 remains uncertain.
Coach Lionel Scaloni said Argentina would not give the iconic shirt to anyone until after Messi’s final match.
“After that, we’ll see,” Scaloni said.
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