Farewell match and extraordinary career legacy
Argentina is preparing to say farewell to Lionel Messi, who will make one final appearance for the national team against Benin. The 39 year old superstar announced his retirement from international football following the World Cup final, and was invited to participate in the special friendly fixture at the Estadio Monumental. Members of Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup squad will be present to honor their captain.
Messi leaves behind an unmatched international legacy, featuring the 2022 World Cup title, two additional World Cup final appearances in 2014 and 2026, Copa America trophies in 2021 and 2024, and an Olympic gold medal in 2008. With 125 goals across 208 senior appearances, he holds national team records and stands as the first man to start three World Cup finals.
Reflecting on the momentous occasion, manager Lionel Scaloni praised the iconic number 10, stating that only nostalgia remains as the squad bids farewell to an incomparable role model.
“Only nostalgia remains now that he won’t be there. He is an incredible example. The first to arrive, the last to leave, how he takes care of himself, how he faces each game. You can see he is a phenomenon just by how he plays, but he has things behind him that his teammates see, and he is the best example there can be. He has left, or is leaving, because he has one more game, something incomparable.”
Team future and emerging generation
Addressing questions regarding life after Messi, coach Lionel Scaloni expressed complete confidence in the endurance and high standard of the Argentine national team. In recent post World Cup fixtures without Messi, Argentina secured resounding victories against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, showcasing established stars alongside promising new talent such as creative midfielders Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono. Argentina’s first major tournament without their historic captain will arrive at the 2028 Copa America, where the next generation aims to maintain the nation’s global elite status.
