Messi Set to Hang Up Argentina Boots After 21-Year Career
Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday as the football icon prepares to bring his 21-year international career to an emotional close in front of about 85,000 fans at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental. The 39-year-old will wear Argentina’s famous sky-blue-and-white jersey for the last time against Benin, with millions more expected to watch the farewell on television. Messi, Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, announced his international retirement in August, saying he had given everything he could and believed younger players deserved an opportunity. He completed his final training session with the national team on Monday at the complex named after him in Ezeiza, drawing supporters who came to witness the final moments of his international career. Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami until 2028, but after the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he indicated that he could bring his playing career to an end sooner than expected.
The farewell will feature several teammates from Argentina’s golden generation, including Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Romero is expected to take over the captaincy after Messi’s departure. Coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged the challenge of filling the void left by the long-serving captain, although Argentina’s emerging generation has already provided encouraging signs. Without Messi, Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 in Cordoba before recording a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Monumental, with young talents Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scoring their first international goals. Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s record appearance-maker, with 207 caps, 125 goals and 68 assists. His legacy includes ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for a World Cup title in 2022, as well as helping the team win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and the 2008 Olympic football gold medal. Despite painful defeats, including the 2014 World Cup final and the 2016 Copa America final, Messi ultimately cemented his place among Argentina’s greatest football heroes. One question remains unanswered: who will inherit his iconic number 10 shirt? Scaloni says the decision will only be made after Messi’s final game.
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