Lionel Messi prepares for his final match for Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old soccer icon, prepares for his farewell game with Argentina against Benin on Tuesday. Dubbed "The Night That No One Wants to End," the friendly match at Estadio Monumental is expected to be filled with emotion as fans show their appreciation. Messi announced his international retirement following Argentina's World Cup loss to Spain in July, stating, "The time has come."

The Argentine Football Association invited him to make one final appearance, saying the match would "transcend sports." Messi posted photos of his arrival to join the team and his last training sessions, reflecting on the special moments he will miss. Despite falling short of winning back-to-back World Cups in Spain, Messi achieved his ultimate ambition by leading Argentina to victory in Qatar four years prior, following Diego Maradona's lead.

Messi has played 207 games for Argentina, becoming the all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, 21 of which came in World Cups. He participated in six World Cups alongside his rival Cristiano Ronaldo. After a brief retirement in 2016, Messi enjoyed his most successful period with Argentina, winning Copa Américas in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 World Cup.

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