Lionel Messi prepares for his final match for Argentina

Buena Vista, Argentina (AP) - A somber mood is expected as Lionel Messi prepares for his final match representing Argentina on Tuesday night. The friendly against Benin has been dubbed "The Night That No One Wants to End" as the soccer icon bids farewell to his country one last time. Messi, 39, announced his international retirement following Argentina's World Cup loss to Spain in July.

The Argentine Football Association offered him a chance to make a final appearance, and the match is expected to be emotionally charged with thousands of fans attending Estadio Monumental to show their support. Messi posted pictures of his arrival to join the national team for the last time and shared his final training sessions on social media, expressing that these will be special moments he will miss.

Despite falling short of winning back-to-back World Cups, Messi achieved his ultimate ambition of leading Argentina to victory in 2022, emulating fellow Argentine great Diego Maradona. He has played 207 games for Argentina, finishing as the all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including 21 in World Cups. Messi appeared in six World Cups alongside his rival Cristiano Ronaldo and briefly retired from Argentina duty in 2016 before enjoying his most successful period with the national team, winning Copa Américas in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 World Cup.

Currently, he continues his club career with Inter Miami, recently winning the Campeones Cup, his fourth trophy with the team.