Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for the Argentina national team this Tuesday, facing Benin at the Estadio Monumental de Núñez in Buenos Aires. The match marks the conclusion of a storied international career spanning more than two decades. At 39 years old, the forward leaves the Albiceleste as the nation’s all-time record holder for appearances and goals, having secured three major international titles during his tenure.
A Career Defined by Records and Resilience
Messi’s departure follows a decorated path that began in the youth ranks and evolved into a record-setting 207 appearances and 125 goals for his country. Messi currently holds 927 official career goals and has shifted his focus for the final chapter of his club career at Inter Miami toward reaching the milestone of a thousand goals. His international trophy cabinet includes the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The forward’s relationship with the national team saw significant fluctuations. Following a loss to Chile in the 2016 Copa América final, Messi briefly announced his retirement from international football, citing an inability to bring joy to his home country. He reversed that decision two months later, eventually leading the squad to their recent era of dominance. His final major tournament, the 2026 World Cup, saw him lead the team to the final against Spain, a match that concluded in a loss and preceded his formal retirement announcement.
The Final Farewell at the Monumental
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has organized a farewell at the Monumental de Núñez, with tickets reportedly selling out in under two hours. The event is expected to draw more than 80,000 spectators. In a gesture of solidarity, the AFA has invited the members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to join Messi on the pitch for his final match. While fans expressed a desire for him to continue, the physical demands of top-level international competition have reached a point where the forward’s body can no longer match his vision on the field.
Academic and Public Honors in Buenos Aires
Beyond the match itself, the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is scheduled to grant Messi an honorary doctorate. This recognition is typically reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to society, arts, culture, science, or human rights. To accommodate those unable to attend the match, the AFA has established a “Gracias, Leo” Fan Fest at the UBA University City sports complex. The event will feature live music from artists including Kapanga and La T y La M, along with interactive experiences and a large-screen broadcast of the match.
Evolution from Barcelona to Inter Miami
Messi’s professional trajectory remains deeply linked to his early development in Europe. He joined FC Barcelona at age 13, debuting for the senior team in 2004. He recorded 778 appearances and 672 goals, winning ten La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Rey titles. His departure from Barcelona in 2021 preceded a stint with Paris Saint-Germain, where he secured two Ligue 1 titles. Since 2023, he has played for Inter Miami, holding a contract that runs through 2028.
Messi Achieves Milestones in His International Career
Throughout his two-decade tenure, Messi’s international career was marked by distinct phases of performance and growth. He debuted for the senior team in 2006 under coach José Pekerman, scoring in a 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro to become the youngest player to score for Argentina in a World Cup at 18 years and 357 days old. Despite early disappointments—including the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América final defeats—his consistency remained a focal point. He was named the best player of the tournament in both the 2014 and 2022 World Cups.
Questions Regarding the Transition
What is the significance of the match against Benin?
The match serves as the official farewell for Lionel Messi from the Argentina national team, concluding a 20-year career that includes the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América championships.
What is the current status of Messi’s club career?
Following his time in Europe with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, Messi is currently under contract with Inter Miami in the United States through 2028, where he continues to pursue his 1,000th official career goal.
How is the AFA managing the public interest in the farewell?
The AFA has organized a large-scale Fan Fest at the University of Buenos Aires sports complex, providing music, food, and a public broadcast of the match for those who could not secure tickets for the sold-out stadium event.
The match against Benin serves as the final chapter of Messi’s international career, closing a tenure that saw him participate in six World Cup tournaments.
