Lionel Messi ready for final Argentina farewell against Benin

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi is preparing to say an emotional goodbye to Argentina’s national team on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental.

After more than two decades wearing the famous blue-and-white shirt, the 39-year-old superstar is expected to make his final appearance for the Albiceleste in front of around 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires.

The occasion will be more than a farewell. It will mark the beginning of a new chapter for Argentina as Messi prepares to hand over the captaincy and the No. 10 shirt to a new generation.

Messi leaves behind an extraordinary international legacy. He guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima. He is also the country’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 international matches, along with a record 68 assists.

Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families are expected to attend the emotional occasion. Former international teammate Angel Di Maria will also be present to witness Messi’s final chapter with the national side.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the match as a special occasion.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone,” Scaloni said, urging everyone to enjoy the moment.

The transition, however, will not be easy. Messi’s influence on Argentina has been immense, and replacing a player widely regarded as one of football’s greatest ever will be an enormous challenge.

Defender Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the captain’s armband, while players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are likely to become central figures in the post-Messi era.

Argentina’s emerging stars have already offered glimpses of what lies ahead. The team defeated Bolivia 4-0 before producing a stunning 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso, with young talents Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scoring their first international goals.

Yet one question will remain after Messi’s farewell: who gets the iconic No. 10 shirt?

Scaloni has confirmed that Argentina will not hand it to anyone until Messi’s final match is over.

For now, the No. 10 belongs to Messi — and Tuesday night promises to be a fitting farewell to an extraordinary international career.