Argentina will begin life after Lionel Messi on Tuesday, but not before the country gives its greatest football star a final night to remember.
The 39-year-old is set to make his last appearance for the Albiceleste against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, with around 85,000 supporters expected to witness the end of an international career that has spanned more than two decades.
The occasion will bring together members of Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup squad, their families and a younger generation now preparing to carry the team forward.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading scorer, having recorded 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 appearances. His trophy cabinet includes the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima.
But Tuesday will be about more than celebrating what Messi achieved. It will also mark the beginning of Argentina’s next chapter.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has already begun preparing for a future without his captain. Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the armband, while Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez are next in the leadership hierarchy.
Several of the players who helped Argentina win the World Cup, including Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, are expected to become the backbone of the team moving forward.
The emerging generation has already offered reasons for optimism. Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 before producing an even bigger statement with a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Monumental. Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni scored their first international goals in that rout.
Some of Argentina’s newest talents were not even born when Messi made his international debut in 2005. Now, they face the task of extending an era of success that he helped define.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone,” Scaloni said. “Everyone wants to be at this match, and now it’s just about enjoying it.”
The farewell will also mark the final Argentina appearance for 38-year-old Nicolas Otamendi, while Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso could also be making their last appearances for the national team.
Messi’s future at club level remains less certain. He is contracted to Inter Miami until 2028 but has suggested he could retire earlier.
One final question will linger after the celebrations: who gets Argentina’s iconic No. 10?
Scaloni has refused to rush that decision.
“We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place,” he said. “After that, we’ll see.”
For Argentina, the answer can wait. Tuesday belongs to Messi.
