Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says “only nostalgia remains” as captain Lionel Messi prepares to make what is expected to be his final appearance for the national team against Benin in Buenos Aires. Messi is set to earn his 208th cap in the farewell friendly at the sold-out Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for midnight BST on Wednesday, October 7.
Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, six weeks after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain, saying he had nothing more to give. Scaloni, however, has left the door open for the 39-year-old to return if he changes his mind, while reflecting on the success they shared, including Argentina’s Copa America titles and 2022 World Cup triumph.
Scaloni said Messi has left an unmatched legacy and praised his professionalism and influence on his teammates. Messi is set to leave international football as Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances, while his club career with Inter Miami is expected to continue under a contract running through the end of the 2028 season.
