October 6: Lionel Messi will turn out for Argentina for the last time this evening, with Benin in opposition for an emotional farewell at Buenos Aires’ 85,000-capacity Estadio Monumental.
Argentina will wear a special kit for the occasion, dedicated to a player widely regarded as the greatest in the country’s history.
Messi has not featured during the international break so far, having announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. The death of his father, Jorge, shortly afterwards also particularly affected the 39-year-old man.
The match in Benin will mark Messi’s 208th and final appearance for Argentina.
It’s been a strange international window without him. For the first time in two decades, Argentina have entered a hiatus knowing that Messi is no longer part of the long-term plan, although early signs have been encouraging.
Scaloni’s side beat Bolivia 4-0 and Burkina Faso 7-0, proving there is plenty to do despite Messi’s central role in Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
Their numbers leave a big hole. Messi has scored 125 goals and registered 68 assists for Argentina throughout his international career, but the real loss will be his experience, captaincy and the fear factor he brought regardless of the opposition.
His farewell comes two-and-a-half months after the World Cup final defeat by Spain in New Jersey, where he left the pitch in tears after struggling to drag Argentina over the line.
“I gave everything. I have nothing left to give and besides, there are great young players who deserve their chance,” Messi wrote when he announced his international retirement in August.
Messi is linked with Inter Miami until 2028, although after the death of his father two months ago he acknowledged that his career at the club could also end sooner than initially expected.
Although approaching 40, the man is still a numbers machine. He has scored 25 goals and 13 assists in 29 games this year with Inter Miami.
“It will be an unforgettable day for everyone. Everyone wants to be in this game, and now it’s just about enjoying it,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said ahead of tonight’s game.
With Argentina’s long-term focal point moving away permanently, they have no choice but to pivot quickly to what comes next.
Scaloni, who is himself negotiating a new contract, has already begun to build around a younger group that has shown it can cope without its captain. Replacing Messi directly is another matter, and the mission is impossible.
“Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo,” Scaloni said.
At least one night, that can wait. Argentina still have one last appearance for Messi.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at (email protected)
