Lionel Messi is set to make his final international appearance for Argentina on Tuesday in a friendly match against Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, following a storied two-decade career capped by the 2022 World Cup victory.
Monumental Stadium Hosts Farewell Match Against Benin
Eighty-five thousand spectators will pack the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday to witness the final international appearance of Lionel Messi in an Albiceleste shirt. The friendly encounter against Benin marks the third and final match of Argentina’s current international window, following victories over Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed that the Inter Miami forward was called up specifically to receive a proper farewell from his home supporters. Honorary attendees will include members of the 2022 Qatar World Cup-winning squad and their families, joining a packed crowd for a symbolic transition of power to a younger generation of players.
Decades of Records and the Weight of Recent Loss
Messi announced his international retirement in late August at the age of 39. His decision followed a 21-year international career in which he became Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals across 207 appearances. Alongside his crowning achievement at the 2022 World Cup, he secured Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
The forward’s exit was accelerated by personal grief following the death of his 68-year-old father, Jorge, compounded by a defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in North America.
I don’t know what I will do without you, and I don’t know how to keep going. I have only played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer.
Lionel Messi, via Aljazeera
Scaloni Faces the Challenge of Filling the Void
Head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the difficulty of replacing his captain, noting that the squad must pull together to shoulder the responsibility.
We will try collectively to fill the void that Leo will leave.. it will be a day to remember for everyone, and all we have to do now is enjoy it.
Lionel Scaloni, via Aljazeera
Alongside Messi, veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi joins the fixture, while midfielders Rodrigo de Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have also been summoned. Questions remain regarding the future of the iconic number 10 shirt.
We will not give the number 10 to any player before Leo’s match.. after that, we will see.
Lionel Scaloni, via Aljazeera
As the Albiceleste transition toward a younger core featuring Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister, Tuesday night brings down the curtain on an era defined by its most decorated captain.
