End of an era as Messi prepares to hang up Argentina boots

Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday when the World Cup champions face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old captain is expected to receive an emotional send-off from about 85,000 supporters as he brings the curtain down on a remarkable 21-year international career. Messi announced his retirement from international football in August after leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and reaching the 2026 World Cup final.  

Messi took part in Argentina’s final training session on Monday at the team’s complex in Ezeiza. He remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although he has indicated that he could eventually retire from football altogether sooner than initially expected.  

The farewell match will also mark the beginning of a new era for Argentina. Several players who formed part of Messi’s golden generation, including Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, are expected to feature against Benin. Romero will inherit the captain’s armband after Messi’s departure.  

Coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged the challenge of filling the void created by Messi’s retirement. Argentina’s younger players have, however, offered encouragement, with Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scoring their first international goals in a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso.

Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s most-capped player and leading scorer, with 207 appearances, 125 goals and 68 assists. During his international career, he won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, the 2008 Olympic title, Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and, most notably, the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His relationship with Argentina was not always straightforward. Messi endured criticism after several major tournament disappointments, including the 2014 World Cup final and the 2016 Copa América final, before eventually winning over his critics through a series of historic triumphs. His 2022 World Cup victory ultimately cemented his status as one of the greatest figures in Argentine football.

One question remains unanswered: who will inherit Argentina’s famous No. 10 shirt? Scaloni has said the number will remain with Messi until his farewell match before a decision is made about its future.