Lionel Messi finalizes details for his historic farewell to the Argentine national team
In an atmosphere charged with emotion and nostalgia, Lionel Messi completed his final training session with the Argentine national team this Monday at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) complex in Ezeiza. The Albiceleste captain is preparing to close a glorious cycle of more than two decades wearing the national jersey, in a friendly match that will mark his definitive retirement from his country’s team against Benin.
The practice, carried out in a relaxed atmosphere, allowed the star from Rosario to be seen enjoying ball drills alongside his teammates. Amidst laughter and the traditional rondos, Messi shared the pitch in a scene that has become iconic throughout his 21-year international career. The training session featured the special presence of former footballers Ezequiel Lavezzi and Cristian ‘Kily’ González, who observed the team’s movements up close.
A shared farewell alongside Nicolás Otamendi
The Inter Miami captain will not be alone at this momentous time. Alongside him, Nicolás Otamendi will also put an end to his journey with the national team. Both rejoined the group together with Rodrigo de Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, who were specially called up for this duel after missing the previous matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
Lionel Messi’s legacy with Argentina is unmatched: he debuted in 2005 and says goodbye after achieving World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, in addition to the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, and the 2022 Finalissima.
Details of the final match at the Monumental
- The farewell match will be Messi’s 208th with the Albiceleste.
- The event will take place this Tuesday at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, at 8:00 PM local time.
- Tickets to witness this historic event sold out in a matter of minutes, reflecting the fervor of the Argentine fans.
- The AFA and his fellow world champion teammates are expected to pay an emotional tribute to the captain before the opening whistle.
This friendly match puts the finishing touch on a series of three encounters in which Argentina has sought to consolidate new pieces and tactical variations. With Messi’s departure, the national team formally begins a new stage, leaving behind an era marked by unreachable records and trophies that will remain forever in the memory of football fans.
