Argentina captain, Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for the national team on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin Republic in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old forward will bring his illustrious international career to an end after more than two decades with the Albiceleste, having established himself as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
Messi will be honoured in front of about 85,000 supporters, with members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and several emerging stars expected to attend the occasion.
The Inter Miami forward leaves international football with a World Cup title, two Copa America triumphs and a Finalissima crown.
He has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina and also holds the record for assists with 68.
His farewell comes months after Argentina suffered a dramatic defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey, where Messi was substituted in tears after struggling to make an impact.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi wrote when announcing his international retirement in August.
Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni said the farewell would be an emotional occasion, with the team preparing for life without its long-time captain.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone. Everyone wants to be at this match, and now it’s just about enjoying it,” Scaloni said.
Scaloni acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player widely regarded as one of football’s greatest, while insisting the team would collectively attempt to fill the void left by Messi.
“Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo,” he said.
Messi is not the only veteran expected to bow out, with vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso also included specifically for the Benin encounter.
Cristian Romero is expected to take over the captaincy, with Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez next in line.
Other members of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, including Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez, are also expected to form part of Argentina’s next generation.
The younger players have already offered glimpses of what lies ahead, with Argentina beating Bolivia 4-0 before thrashing Burkina Faso 7-0 in their two matches since the World Cup final.
One final question remains ahead of Messi’s departure: who will inherit his iconic No. 10 shirt?
“We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place,” Scaloni said. “After that, we’ll see.”
