Buenos Aires, Oct 05 (V7N)- Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina when the world champions face Benin in a friendly at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium on Tuesday night, with the match beginning at 5am Bangladesh time on Wednesday.
Messi first appeared for Argentina on August 17, 2005, beginning an international career that has spanned more than two decades. The upcoming match has been designated as his farewell appearance for the national team.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) scheduled three friendlies during the current international window. Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 on September 30 and Burkina Faso 7-0 on October 3 before completing the series against Benin. The Argentina-Benin fixture is scheduled for 5am Bangladesh time on October 7.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has spoken emotionally about Messi's farewell, acknowledging the unique impact the captain has had on the national team and expressing his appreciation for being part of the occasion.
Scaloni said the farewell would be an emotional moment for everyone at the Monumental and urged supporters to enjoy Messi's final appearance rather than focus solely on the end of his international career.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement from international football in August after a career that included winning the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He is Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer.
The AFA has described the match as the farewell Messi deserves in his homeland. The federation also invited members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to attend the occasion.
Messi has returned to Argentina ahead of the match and is expected to train with his teammates before taking the field for what is scheduled to be his final appearance in the famous blue-and-white jersey.
For Argentina supporters, the occasion will mark the closing chapter of Messi's extraordinary international career, which has included major tournament triumphs and established him as the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
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