BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi will put on the Argentina shirt for one final time on October 6 as the curtain closes on an incredible international career that has lasted more than two decades.

Argentina will face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental, home of River Plate, where fans are expected to turn out to pay tribute to one of the most decorated players in the history of the national team.

Messi is set to play the 208th match in his career for Argentina. The 39-year-old attacker recently announced his retirement from international football while the Argentine Football Association have included him in the squad for the farewell fixture.

AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed Messi had been invited for the occasion, saying the national team wanted to give its captain a farewell on home soil.

To make the occasion even more special Messi has unveiled a special Argentina jersey for his final appearance. The traditional sky-blue and white design features his name and iconic No. 10 in gold, with the Sun of May on the back.

Messi posted the shirt on social media with the words: “One last match. “A lifetime jersey.

His international career started in 2005 and has been full of several landmark accomplishments. Messi became Argentina’s most capped player and top scorer with 125 international goals.

He was also a key player in Argentina’s Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024 and the team’s 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, where he was named the Golden Ball winner.

So, the October 6 fixture will be a last chance for Argentine fans to see their captain in the national colors on home soil.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)