Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina when the world champions face Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday morning.
The national team’s players have already begun marking the expected farewell for their captain, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez saying they made special preparations after Messi joined the squad on Sunday evening.
The first tribute took place with an asado at the team’s training base. Martinez said the players would make the most of the limited time remaining with Messi.
“We will try to embrace him during the little time he has left with us,” Martinez said.
The Chelsea goalkeeper kept his word, posting a video on social media on Sunday evening showing Argentina’s players preparing the barbecue as the squad began its farewell celebrations.
“We will try to pamper him and make sure he enjoys this moment as much as possible,” Martinez added. “We will surround him with hugs and kisses, and make sure he is happy.”
Argentina face Benin in a friendly on 06 October 2026, with the match taking place at the Monumental.
Martinez: ‘He is the greatest player in history’
Martinez also spoke about his relationship with Messi after Sunday’s friendly against Burkina Faso, in comments reported by Argentine newspaper Ole.
“I tried to help him as much as I could, and he knows that. We always talk about it,” he said. “It was one of the greatest honours of my career to try to help him achieve what he wanted so badly.
“He is the greatest player in history and, thank God, I feel I was part of his career.”
Looking ahead to the meeting with Benin, Martinez said: “I want to see him enjoying himself and smiling.”
The goalkeeper also reflected on the pain of losing a World Cup final and admitted he had considered retiring after the defeat.
“Losing the World Cup final was very difficult for me. The pain stayed with me for a long time,” he said. “I needed a change of environment at club level to try to ease the pain I felt after the final, and I achieved that.
“Now I come here feeling well and happy, with a lot of energy. In the end, I have to represent my country and my family, and I have to do that in the best way possible.”
Martinez left Aston Villa for Chelsea in the final days of the summer transfer window. He has since regained his motivation and confirmed his full commitment to Argentina as the 2030 cycle begins.
Asked about Argentina’s future after Messi, Martinez said: “His departure will leave a huge void, but we have players with strong personalities.”
