Messi Says Goodbye to International Football Today

Lionel Messi is set to bring the curtain down on his illustrious Argentina career on Tuesday when the South American champions face Benin in a farewell friendly in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old superstar will make his final appearance in the Albiceleste jersey at the Estadio Monumental, where he is expected to be joined by around 85,000 fans, former teammates and members of Argentina’s emerging generation.

After more than two decades of international service, Messi will hand over the captain’s armband as Argentina begins a new era following his retirement from international football.

His remarkable international career includes a World Cup title, two Copa America trophies and a Finalissima triumph.

Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s all-time leading appearance-maker and top scorer, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances. He also holds the record for most assists with 68.

The farewell comes two and a half months after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi left the pitch in tears.

“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.

Despite ending his Argentina career, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028. However, following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he has indicated that he could retire from football earlier than expected.

Friends Reunited

Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families will be present for Messi’s farewell against Benin, ranked 93rd in the world.

Former international teammate Angel Di María, who retired from international football in 2024, will also be among those witnessing Messi’s final appearance.

The occasion will also mark a symbolic passing of the torch to a younger generation, with some of Argentina’s emerging stars not even born when Messi made his international debut in 2005.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the occasion as a special moment for the team.

“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.

Argentina’s younger generation has already shown signs of being capable of moving forward without Messi, although replacing a player widely regarded as one of football’s greatest will be a major challenge.

“Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo,” Scaloni said.

Scaloni will also bid farewell to 38-year-old vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi, while midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have been called up specifically for the Benin game, potentially making it their final appearance for Argentina.

Argentina’s New Generation

Defender Cristian Romero, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, and forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are expected to become key figures in Argentina’s post-Messi era.

Romero is set to inherit the captain’s armband, which Messi first wore at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are also next in line for the captaincy.

Argentina has already produced impressive results without Messi. The team defeated Bolivia 4-0 before recording a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Monumental.

Youngsters Nico Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni have all made an impact, with Mastantuono and Prestianni scoring their first international goals.