Lionel Messi is prepared for an emotional swan song on Tuesday as he dons the sky blue-and-white jersey for the final time. The 39-year-old icon will lead Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where approximately 85,000 supporters are expected to gather in South America’s largest stadium to witness the conclusion of his illustrious 21-year international journey. Some 85,000 Argentina fans will be on hand to watch the 39-year-old idol perform his wizardry in a friendly against Benin that brings down the curtain on his 21-year international career.
Reflecting on his decision to step away from international duty, which he initially announced in August, Messi noted, “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.” His final training session took place on Monday at the specialized facility in Ezeiza bearing his name. While he remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, the recent loss of his father, Jorge, has prompted speculation that Messi may consider full retirement sooner than originally planned. That’s it,” Nahuel Nieva, a retail worker who took the day off work to watch his hero train, told the media, you can’t ask for more. Although following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he revealed he may hang up his boots for good sooner than anticipated, messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028.
The upcoming match serves as a significant turning point for the squad, with veteran teammates like Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez preparing to carry the mantle. Coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Romero will inherit the captain’s armband following Messi’s departure. Regarding the iconic number 10 jersey, Scaloni stated that no decision on its future will be made until after the conclusion of Tuesday’s game. No effort has been spared for the sendoff of a player considered one of the game’s greatest ever. Some of whom weren’t even alive when Messi debuted with the team in 2005, are auspicious, coach Lionel Scaloni has vowed to try fill the “void” left by his talismanic captain and the signs from the next generation.
Argentina’s future looks promising, as evidenced by recent victories against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. Young talents Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni notably scored their first international goals during a 7-0 rout of Burkina Faso, helping to rebuild team morale following the disciplinary fallout and frustration from this year’s World Cup final loss to Spain. These developments provide a path forward after a period marked by both high-intensity play and recent controversy. Minus Messi, Argentina thrashed Bolivia 4-0 in a friendly in Cordoba on Wednesday before running rings around Burkina Faso on Saturday at Monumental stadium, in their first games since the World Cup final last week. The results helped lift the gloom of the defeat in the World Cup final when Argentina and a visibly tired Messi were outplayed by Spain and resorted to thuggish tactics which have been punished with bans and fines for a number of players.
Messi’s departure marks the end of an era defined by unparalleled statistics and achievement. As Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer, he departs with 125 goals, 68 assists, and 207 total appearances. Known affectionately as “La Pulga,” he solidified his legacy by captaining the nation to glory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, effectively ending a 36-year drought. His trophy cabinet with the Albiceleste also includes the 2005 World Youth Championship, the 2008 Olympic gold, consecutive Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima, though his career was also punctuated by difficult defeats in the 2014 World Cup final and the 2016 Copa America.
