-
Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina against Benin on Tuesday, bringing an extraordinary 21-year international career to an emotional conclusion at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
-
The Argentina captain has described the national-team shirt as “my dream, my pride, and my life for years” in a farewell message to supporters.
-
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals before his final game.
-
The 39-year-old departs with a World Cup, two Copa América titles and the Finalissima among the major trophies he won with Argentina.
October 06, (THEWILL) – Lionel Messi is preparing to say goodbye to Argentina for the final time, with the 39-year-old set to make his last appearance for the national team against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
After more than two decades in the famous blue-and-white shirt, Messi has reached the end of his international journey.
He announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in August, confirming that he would bring down the curtain on a career that began in 2005 and ultimately delivered the trophies that had once seemed beyond his reach.
FIFA confirmed that the Benin friendly would serve as his farewell appearance.
Now, with the final match upon him, Messi has delivered an emotional message to the supporters who have followed his journey through triumph, disappointment and redemption.
“The moment has arrived. I leave in peace, I gave it my all. This shirt was my dream, my pride, and my life for years,” Messi said.
He also thanked the Argentine public for the affection they have shown him throughout his career, adding: “Thank you for loving me so much, thank you for your support. I will always carry you with me.”
Those words bring a deeply personal tone to what is already one of the most significant moments in Argentine football history.
READ ALSO:
The final chapter
Messi’s final Argentina appearance against Benin will be his 208th for the national team, extending a record that already makes him Argentina’s most-capped player.
He also enters the farewell as the country’s all-time leading scorer, having scored 125 goals in his first 207 appearances.
His international career has stretched across 21 years, from his senior debut in 2005 to his final night at the Monumental.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
