Buenos Aires, Oct 05 (V7N)- Lionel Messi has returned to the Argentina national team camp in Buenos Aires as he prepares for his final appearance in the famous blue-and-white jersey.
Messi arrived in Argentina ahead of the farewell friendly against Benin and has begun training with the national team. The match will be played at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires and is scheduled to begin at 5am Bangladesh time on Wednesday, October 7.
The 39-year-old forward appeared in a cheerful mood during training, but the occasion carries added significance as he prepares for his final international appearance after more than two decades with Argentina.
Messi's international career has included the 2022 World Cup triumph, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima. He will leave the national team as Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 207 matches and 125 goals.
The Argentina Football Association invited members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to join Messi for the farewell, adding to the significance of the occasion.
The Monumental is expected to be packed for Messi's farewell. Reports said tickets for the match sold out rapidly after going on sale, with the stadium capable of accommodating around 85,000 spectators.
The Benin match is the third and final friendly for Argentina during the current international window, following victories over Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
For Messi, the occasion will mark the closing chapter of his Argentina career and his final appearance before the national team begins a new era without its long-time captain and number 10.
END/SMA/AJ
