MESSI SET FOR EMOTIONAL ARGENTINA FAREWELL AGAINST BENIN

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a farewell friendly that signals the beginning of a new era for the South American giants.

After more than two decades representing his country, the 39-year-old superstar will make his final appearance in the famous Albiceleste shirt at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, bringing his remarkable international career to an end.

Around 85,000 fans are expected to witness Messi’s farewell, alongside several members of the Argentina team that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and a number of emerging talents.

The occasion represents a symbolic passing of the torch for Messi, whose international honours include a World Cup title, two Copa America trophies and the Finalissima.

He leaves Argentina duty as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances, in addition to a record 68 assists.

Messi’s farewell comes just over two months after Argentina suffered a heated World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, with the captain leaving the pitch in tears after a subdued performance.

“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi said when announcing his international retirement in August.

Although Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, he has previously suggested that he could end his playing career earlier than expected following the death of his father, Jorge.

Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families will join Messi at the Monumental for Tuesday’s farewell against Benin, who are ranked 93rd in the world.

Former Argentina star Angel Di María, who retired from international football in 2024, will also be present as the country begins its transition to a new generation.

Some of Argentina’s emerging talents, including Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores, were not even born when Messi made his international debut in 2005.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone. Everyone wants to be at this match, and now it’s just about enjoying it,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.

Argentina’s younger players have already demonstrated their quality in Messi’s absence, although replacing a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in football history will be a major challenge.

“Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo,” Scaloni said.

The coach is also expected to bid farewell to 38-year-old vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi, while Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso were called up specifically for the Benin fixture, leaving their international futures uncertain.

Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez are among the established players expected to lead Argentina into the post-Messi era.

Romero is set to inherit the captain’s armband, which Messi first wore at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are next in the leadership hierarchy.

Argentina have already shown signs of a strong future, defeating Bolivia 4-0 in Cordoba before thrashing Burkina Faso 7-0 at the Monumental.

Youngsters Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez scored against Bolivia, while Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni found the net for the first time at international level against Burkina Faso.

With Messi’s international chapter closing, attention will now turn to the identity of the player who will eventually inherit his iconic No. 10 shirt.

“We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place,” Scaloni said. “After that, we’ll see.”