Lionel Messi is preparing to bring his international career to an end when Argentina face Benin in a farewell friendly on Tuesday.
According to AFP, the 39-year-old is expected to make his final appearance for the reigning South American giants at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The match will bring an end to more than two decades of international football for one of Argentina’s most celebrated players.
Messi to hand over captain’s armband
Messi will relinquish the Argentina captaincy after a career that delivered the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima.
He will retire as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 125 goals from 207 matches.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi said when announcing his international retirement.
World Cup teammates return
Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families are expected to attend the farewell.
Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football in 2024, will also be present.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the occasion as one that would be unforgettable for players and supporters.
Romero set to inherit captaincy
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero is expected to become Argentina’s next captain.
Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are also among the senior players expected to lead the team in the post-Messi era.
Scaloni has said Argentina will not immediately hand Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt to another player.
“We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place,” he said. “After that, we’ll see.”
