Lionel Messi Set for Emotional Final Argentina Appearance Against Benin
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
BUENOS AIRES: 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 Argentina captain is expected to receive an emotional farewell in front of around 85,000 spectators as he prepares to end an international career that has lasted more than two decades.
Messi’s final appearance will bring an end to one of the most successful international careers in football history. With Argentina, he has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima.
He will also leave international football as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer. Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national team and has also provided a record 68 assists.
The farewell match will bring together several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, along with players representing the country’s next generation.
Former Argentina international Angel Di Maria is among the players expected to attend the occasion. The match will also give younger footballers an opportunity to share the field with Messi as the national team begins preparing for a new era.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the occasion would be special for everyone involved and urged the team to enjoy Messi’s final appearance.
Scaloni has already acknowledged the challenge of moving forward without a player who has played a central role in Argentina’s success for many years.
The coach is also expected to say goodbye to veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, while Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have been selected specifically for the Benin fixture. Their future international involvement remains uncertain.
Argentina’s next generation has already shown promising form. Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are among the experienced players expected to play important roles in the team after Messi’s departure.
Romero is considered a leading candidate to take over the captaincy, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are also part of the leadership group.
Argentina recently recorded impressive victories in its first matches since the World Cup final. The team defeated Bolivia 4-0 in Cordoba before securing a 7-0 win over Burkina Faso at the Monumental.
Young players Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez scored against Bolivia, while Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni registered their first international goals against Burkina Faso.
Messi’s departure also raises the question of who will wear Argentina’s famous No. 10 shirt in the future.
Scaloni has previously indicated that the number will not immediately be handed to another player, with a decision expected after Messi’s farewell match.
Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028. However, he has previously suggested that his decision to continue playing football could depend on several personal and professional factors.
Tuesday’s match against Benin will therefore mark the end of Messi’s remarkable Argentina journey and the beginning of a new chapter for the South American champions.
