Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday night when the world champions face Benin in a highly anticipated international friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old has already announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable career with the Albiceleste that has spanned more than two decades. The clash with Benin will give Argentine fans the opportunity to see their captain in the national team jersey for one final time.
Messi leaves behind an extraordinary international legacy. He is Argentina’s record appearance-maker and all-time leading scorer, having registered 125 goals in 207 appearances before his farewell match.
His greatest achievement with Argentina came in 2022 when he captained the country to World Cup glory in Qatar. He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, while helping Argentina reach the 2014 and 2026 World Cup finals.
The farewell will be an emotional occasion at the Monumental, with thousands of supporters expected to turn out to celebrate a player who transformed his relationship with Argentine football fans after years of criticism.
Messi’s final chapter with Argentina comes after he confirmed in August that the time had come to step aside and allow a new generation to take over.
The Argentina-Benin encounter has therefore become more than just a friendly—it is the final opportunity for fans to watch one of football’s greatest-ever players represent his country.
After more than 20 years, 207 appearances and 125 goals, the Messi era with Argentina is finally coming to an end.
