Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday when he leads the national team against Benin Republic at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. More than 85,000 supporters are expected to attend as the Argentine Football Association prepares a special farewell for its captain.
Messi, who announced his international retirement in August, said he was leaving the national team without regrets after giving everything to the country. The 39-year-old made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances, and the Benin Republic match will be his 208th international appearance. He is expected to wear the famous No. 10 shirt for the final time, with the AFA planning a commemorative ceremony and inviting members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families, while Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami.
