Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old forward is expected to wear the Argentina shirt for the last time in front of about 85,000 fans, bringing an extraordinary international career spanning more than two decades to an end.
Messi’s farewell will also mark the beginning of a new era for Argentina, with several members of the team’s emerging generation set to share the pitch with veterans of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, The News Edition reports.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and top scorer, having scored 125 goals in 207 matches, while also providing a record 68 assists.
His international honours include a World Cup title, two Copa America trophies and the Finalissima.
A Farewell With Old Friends
Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families are expected to attend the farewell match against Benin, who are ranked 93rd in the world.
Former Argentina winger Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football in 2024, is also expected to be present as the country celebrates Messi’s contribution to its golden era.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the occasion as an unforgettable moment for the team and supporters.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone,” Scaloni said, adding that the occasion should ultimately be about enjoying Messi’s final appearance.
Scaloni will also bid farewell to 38-year-old defender Nicolas Otamendi, while midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have been called up specifically for the Benin match.
Argentina’s Next Generation
With Messi stepping away, attention will turn to the players expected to lead Argentina into its next chapter.
Cristian Romero is expected to become the next captain, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and forward Lautaro Martinez also among the senior players in the leadership group.
Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez are among the other 2022 World Cup winners expected to play key roles in the team’s future.
Argentina’s emerging talents have already provided glimpses of what lies ahead. The team defeated Bolivia 4-0 in its first match since the World Cup final, with young players Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez among the scorers.
Argentina then recorded a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso, with Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scoring their first international goals.
Who Gets Messi’s No. 10 Shirt?
One of the biggest symbolic questions surrounding Messi’s departure is who will inherit Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt.
Scaloni previously indicated that the number would remain untouched until Messi’s farewell match.
“We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place,” the Argentina coach said. “After that, we’ll see.”
For Argentina, Tuesday’s match will therefore be more than a friendly. It will mark the end of Messi’s remarkable international chapter and the beginning of a new generation for the Albiceleste.