Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday when the world champions face Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.   After more than two decades in the national team, the 39-year-old is expected to hand over the captain’s armband as Argentina begins life without its most iconic player. The match will bring together around 85,000 supporters, members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and a new generation of players who are expected to carry the team forward. Messi leaves behind an extraordinary international record. He is Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals and 207 appearances, alongside a record 68 assists. His major international honours include the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima. The farewell comes less than three months after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey. Messi was visibly emotional after the defeat and later announced his decision to retire from international football. “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi said when announcing his decision in August, adding that younger players deserved an opportunity. A farewell with old friends Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad are expected to be present for Messi’s final international appearance, including former international teammate Angel Di María. Di María retired from international football in 2024 but will return to witness the occasion alongside other members of Argentina’s golden generation. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni described the occasion as an unforgettable day. “It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone,” Scaloni said. “Everyone wants to be at this match, and now it’s just about enjoying it.” Scaloni will also bid farewell to veteran defender and vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi, while Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso were called up specifically for the Benin fixture. Argentina prepares for life after Messi Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the captain’s armband, with Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez also among the players in Argentina’s leadership group. Other key figures expected to lead the next generation include Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Argentina have already shown signs of moving forward without Messi. They defeated Bolivia 4-0 before recording a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso, with young players including Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni getting on the scoresheet. The future of Argentina’s famous No. 10 shirt, however, remains undecided. “We won’t give the number 10 to anyone until Leo’s match takes place. After that, we’ll see,” Scaloni said. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although his future in club football is also uncertain following the death of his father, Jorge, earlier this year. The Argentina-Benin friendly therefore represents more than a final international appearance. It marks the closing chapter of Messi’s remarkable career with the Albiceleste and the beginning of a new era for the South American champions.