Lionel Messi set for final Argentina appearance as farewell tribute planned

Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin at El Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The fixture will mark the end of Messi’s international career and his final appearance as captain of the national team. The Argentine Football Association has announced a series of tributes for the 39-year-old, who will receive a farewell from the home supporters.

It will be a significant occasion for world football, with Messi preparing to take his last steps on the international stage at the stadium where Argentina will honour one of its greatest players.

Messi is the second-highest scorer in World Cup history and has been a central figure in Argentina’s success. He has won the 2022 World Cup among numerous other trophies during his career with the Albiceleste.

Following Argentina’s final training session on Monday, the former FC Barcelona and PSG player posed for a photograph with his team-mates and the national team’s entire coaching staff.

Messi later shared the image on Instagram, holding a ball in his hand, with the caption: “Special moments that, I know, I will miss.”

He has made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals.