Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.
He will close a remarkable 21-year international career. The 39-year-old leaves as Argentina’s record appearance-maker with 207 caps, 125 goals, and 68 assists. His greatest achievements include the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. He reached nine major finals, winning four.
However, his journey also featured five painful defeats: the 2007 Copa America final, the 2014 World Cup final, and Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016. His final disappointment came in 2026, when Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final.
Messi now gets one final chance to say goodbye to Argentina in his home country ahead of his retirement from the national team. Christian Romero has been selected to replace him as the national team captain.
