Lionel Messi is preparing to conclude his storied international career on Tuesday, making his final appearance for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old, affectionately known as “La Pulga,” will step onto the pitch for one last time in the Albiceleste jersey, handing over the captain’s armband after more than two decades of service.
The match is set to draw 85,000 fans, who will witness an emotional farewell alongside members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and the next generation of Argentine talent. Messi departs with an unmatched international resume, boasting a World Cup title, two Copa America trophies, and the Finalissima. He retires as the nation’s leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances, supported by a record 68 assists.
This final bow follows a challenging period for the icon, who announced his international retirement in August. “I gave it my all. I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” he stated at the time. While under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, the recent passing of his father, Jorge, has led Messi to suggest he might retire from professional football sooner than previously expected. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028 although after the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he revealed he may hang up his boots for good sooner than anticipated.
The atmosphere at the Monumental will be shared by former teammates like Angel Di Maria, who retired from international duty in 2024, as they pass the torch to a new era. This transition includes rising stars like Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores, players born after Messi’s 2005 national team debut. Coach Lionel Scaloni, who is currently negotiating a contract extension, noted that the day will be an unforgettable occasion for everyone involved. Including Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores, were not even born when “La Pulga” (“The Flea”) made his Argentina debut in 2005 for a team whose history had for so long been dominated by Diego Maradona, several of the newcomers. Argentina’s new generation has already shown what it can do without its captain although nobody is pretending that replacing a man regarded by many as the greatest footballer in history will be straightforward.
Addressing the future, Scaloni remains focused on rebuilding without his talisman. “Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo,” the manager said. The team has already begun this shift, securing a 4-0 victory over Bolivia and a 7-0 rout of Burkina Faso, where youngsters such as Nico Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, and Gianluca Prestianni found the back of the net. Argentina swept the Bolivians aside 4-0 with young talents Nico Paz and Jose Manuel Lopez among the scorers.
Changes in leadership are also imminent as the squad looks toward the future. Defender Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the captaincy, a role Messi first held during the 2010 World Cup. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez have also been identified as key figures in the team’s new hierarchy. Several veterans, including vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso, have also been brought into the fold for this fixture, potentially signaling their own final appearances for the national side. Scaloni, who mastered the art of building the right supporting cast around Messi, will also say goodbye on Tuesday to 38-year-old vice captain Nicolas Otamendi. At least from the bench, include other veterans of the 2022 World Cup who will be the standard-bearers for Argentina after Messi: defender Cristian Romero, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, and forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, those certain to be involved.
One lingering mystery is the future of the iconic number 10 shirt. Scaloni confirmed that the jersey will remain unassigned for the immediate future. “We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place. After that, we’ll see,” he said. One small but symbolically significant question remains: Who will inherit Messi’s number 10 shirt, while Argentina’s future is beginning to take shape.
Messi’s departure serves as the end of a golden era for Argentina, which struggled earlier this year following an intense World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey. As the squad prepares for the post-Messi chapter, they aim to continue the momentum built by the talented youth core currently emerging in the ranks.
