The end of a glorious era in world football has officially arrived as Lionel Messi touched down in Argentina ahead of his final international farewell match in Buenos Aires.
Flying in on a private jet alongside his family, the 39-year-old icon landed at Rosario’s Islas Malvinas International Airport before linking up with his national teammates at the Ezeiza training complex. The upcoming clash against Benin marks Messi’s 208th and final appearance in the famous blue and white La Albiceleste jersey, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 21-year international career.
The match, organized by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), aims to give the 2022 World Cup winner the grand home send-off he deserves in front of thousands of emotional supporters. Having announced his international retirement following the summer, Messi exits as Argentina’s all-time record appearance-maker and top goalscorer with 125 goals.
Several fellow World Cup winners, including Rodrigo de Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, and Nicolas Otamendi, have been called up to share the pitch with Messi one last time. Meanwhile, head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the iconic No. 10 jersey will remain unassigned until after Messi’s final whistle to honor his unmatched legacy.
As football fans across the globe prepare to say goodbye to one of the greatest players to ever grace the pitch, Tuesday night promises an outpouring of emotion, nostalgia, and celebration of pure genius.
What is your favorite Lionel Messi memory in an Argentina shirt? Share your tribute in the comments section below!
