Lionel Messi will play his final international match for Argentina this week when the World Cup holders face Benin in a friendly in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old is preparing to end his career with the national team that he led to World Cup glory in 2022. Messi has won two Copa America titles, an Olympic gold medal and the World Cup with the Albiceleste.
His international career will conclude after one final appearance in Argentina’s white and blue shirt. The Argentine Football Association is planning a farewell befitting the country’s most celebrated player.
“After consulting with the coach Lionel Scaloni, we have decided to invite the best player in the world, the emblem of our national team, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, for the farewell he deserves,” said Argentine Football Association president Claudio Fabian Tapia.
“I want to announce this to all supporters of the Argentina national team. It will take place here, in Argentina.”
The farewell match will take place in the early hours of Wednesday, 7 October, with Argentina facing Benin at 1:00am Dutch time during the night of Tuesday, 6 October, into Wednesday.
It will be Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina. He has scored 125 goals for his country to date, and will make his final international outing at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the usual home of River Plate.
Demand for the match has been considerable, with every ticket now sold. Messi will also wear a redesigned Argentina shirt for the occasion, featuring gold detailing.
The fixture marks the end of an era for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who decided his time with the national side had come to an end after the defeat in last summer’s World Cup final.
Argentina’s plans will give Messi one final opportunity to play in front of supporters at home before he ends his international career.