End of an era as Messi prepares to hang up Argentina boots

After 21 years of international football, Lionel Messi will hang up his Argentina boots for the final time on Tuesday, bidding farewell to his adoring fans at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old, who led the team to their first World Cup victory in 36 years in 2022, announced his retirement in August, stating that he had given his all and that younger players deserved their chance.

Messi, the most-capped player in Argentine history with 207 appearances and 125 goals, remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, though he may retire sooner following his father's death. In his final game against Benin, Messi will be joined by several of his former teammates, including defender Cristian Cuti Romero, midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, and forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.

The captain's armband will pass to Romero, and coach Lionel Scaloni hopes the younger generation, such as Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni, who scored their first international goals in Argentina's recent victories, will fill the void left by the club legend.