Argentina will begin life without Lionel Messi as the veteran captain prepares to make his final appearance for the national team in a farewell friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old is set to end a 21-year international career at the Estadio Monumental, where about 85,000 fans are expected to witness the final chapter of his Argentina story.
Messi leaves the national team as its most-capped player and leading scorer, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals. He also has 68 assists.
His international career includes the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima.
The farewell will also mark a change in leadership for the reigning world champions, with Cristian Romero expected to inherit the captain’s armband.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the occasion would be special for the team and supporters.
“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.
Messi announced his international retirement in August following Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” he said at the time.
The farewell match will bring together members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, including Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football in 2024.
Messi will also share the occasion with several players representing Argentina’s next generation, including Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores.
Scaloni acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player widely regarded as one of football’s greatest but said the team would move forward collectively.
“Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo,” he said.
Argentina have already offered a glimpse of life after Messi, thrashing Bolivia 4-0 before defeating Burkina Faso 7-0 in their two matches since the World Cup.
Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez scored against Bolivia, while Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni netted their first international goals against Burkina Faso.
Scaloni also confirmed that Argentina would not immediately hand Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt to another player.
“We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place. After that, we’ll see,” he said.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although he has suggested that his playing career could end sooner.
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