BUENOS AIRES, Oct 5 (Bernama-dpa) — The final arrival at training camp, the last practice with the team, the final game in the Albiceleste jersey: Argentina are preparing for Lionel Messi’s final tango, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
His farewell after 21 years with the national team will take place on Tuesday in a friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires.
And anyone who remembers his tearful farewell to his beloved Barcelona in 2021 can imagine just how emotional his send-off in Argentina might be.
“From the moment he steps onto the Monumental, it will be an unforgettable day for everyone,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.
Messi announced in August that he would retire from the national team this year.
“It was a decision that hurt me deep in my soul and still hurts, but I understand that the time has come,” the 39-year-old said at the time.
The loss in the World Cup final – and with it, the shattered dream of successfully defending the title – followed by the death of his father, Jorge, at just 68, left the football great feeling pensive and led him to take this decisive step.
Unlike when he first retired from international football in 2016, after yet another loss in a major tournament final, this time it will be the end.
“There’s a sense of sadness that he won’t be there any more. And not just from a football perspective,” said Scaloni, whose success story is so closely intertwined with Messi’s.
Messi and Scaloni were in the same World Cup squad as players in 2006. The latter ended his playing career in 2015.
Since taking charge of the national team in 2018, Scaloni has managed to build a team around Messi that won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the World Cup title in 2022, and reached the World Cup final once again in 2026.
“The Argentina national team will continue to exist. But we will miss him,” the coach said.
This team is going to miss Messi. He was their leader and yet one of them. His team-mates were admirers and bodyguards.
And the football nation that once adored Diego Maradona also fell in love with Messi.
Once he closes his chapter with the national team, Messi will still have a contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028.
After that, he’s expected to step away from football.
While a new era is beginning for Argentine fans – who don’t yet know whether Scaloni will extend his contract, which expires at the end of the year – Messi has long since ushered in the next phase of his life.
His portfolio comprises a small empire: a hotel chain, real estate and two Spanish football clubs.
— BERNAMA-dpa