Argentina’s most iconic player in the past two decades, Lionel Messi, will step onto the field for the last time in an Argentina jersey on Tuesday. The farewell match is a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Legacy and next chapter
Messi, 39, departs with a record that includes a 2022 World Cup title, two additional World Cup final appearances (2014, 2026), two Copa América championships (2021, 2024), an Olympic gold medal from 2008, and 125 goals as the nation’s all‑time leading scorer.
National team coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s unique impact, saying, “Messi leaves behind something unequaled. The feeling of having him on the pitch is unique, and we will miss that.” Scaloni, who is in advanced talks to extend his contract for another four years, added confidence that Argentina will remain competitive: “The Argentine national team will endure. We will remain at a high level, I have no doubt about that.”
Recent performances show promise
In the two matches Argentina has played since the 2026 World Cup without Messi, the side posted dominant victories: a 4‑0 win over Bolivia and a 7‑0 rout of Burkina Faso. Those results offered a glimpse of the squad’s depth.
Veteran players such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defender Cristian Romero, midfielder Enzo Fernández, and forward Lautaro Martínez continue to anchor the team. New faces are also emerging, including creative midfielders Nicolás Paz and Franco Mastantuono, and wingers Gianluca Prestianni and Leonel Flores.
Flores, a Boca Juniors youth product who debuted professionally only two months ago, has already earned senior caps. He will wear the No. 19 jersey at the friendly – the same number Messi wore in his senior debut in 2005.
Fans and future stars
Supporter Cristian Versalles, 55, noted the shift in mindset: “There’s a changing of the guard; maybe we have to play differently now, not thinking in terms of ‘Messi and 10 others,’ but rather as a unified team.” His son, Ramiro, 23, echoed optimism about the next generation, highlighting Nicolás Paz as “the heir apparent.”
Ten‑year‑old fan Uzzi Rivero expressed sadness at Messi’s departure, while 20‑year‑old Valentina Gago said she is excited about Argentina’s future, citing Lautaro Martínez as her favorite player.
Looking ahead
With Lautaro Martínez now third on Argentina’s all‑time scoring list at 42 goals, the team aims to stay in contention for upcoming tournaments, including the 2028 Copa América.
As the nation prepares to say goodbye to its greatest modern footballer, the focus turns to the promising talent already stepping onto the world stage.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
