Lionel Messi's career with the Argentine national team is coming to an end. The 39-year-old superstar is participating this week in his final match with the team that crowned him world champion in 2022. VoetbalPrimeur brings you the details on this memorable match.
With two Copa América titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a World Cup to his name, Messi is bidding farewell to the Albiceleste. Following the defeat in last summer's World Cup final, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner felt it was time to say goodbye, marking the end of an era.
However, he will don the blue and white jersey one last time for an official match. The Argentine Football Association is determined to organize a memorable farewell for Messi.
“I want to announce to all the fans of the Argentine national team that after discussions with coach Lionel Scaloni, we have agreed to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain Lionel Andrés Messi, for the farewell he deserves. Here, in Argentina,” said the president of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Fabián Tapia.
The moment of Messi's final international match and farewell is approaching quickly. On the night of Tuesday, October 6 to Wednesday, October 7, the Argentine team will face Benin in a friendly at 1:00 AM Dutch time. This will be the last time Messi wears the national team jersey.
This will mark his 208th international appearance. To date, he has scored 125 goals. The farewell match for the left-footer will take place in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, at Estadio Monumental, the home stadium of River Plate.
Excitement for this final match is immense: all tickets have been sold out. For the occasion, Messi will wear a specially designed Argentine jersey featuring golden details.
