Entertainment
Lionel Messi to make final Argentina appearance in friendly against Benin
Al Jazeera reports that the veteran superstar will finish his international career in Buenos Aires alongside vice captain Nicolas Otamendi.
The short version
- Lionel Messi will play his final international game for Argentina on Tuesday in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental.[Al Jazeera]
- The match marks the international retirement of both Messi, holding records with 125 goals in 207 games, and vice captain Nicolas Otamendi.[Al Jazeera]
- Defender Cristian Romero is designated to inherit the captain's armband once Messi departs.[Al Jazeera]
- Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, though he previously indicated he might retire from all football earlier than planned.[Al Jazeera]
Key facts
- Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.[Al Jazeera]
- Messi concludes his international tenure with national records of 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 appearances.[Al Jazeera]
- Vice captain Nicolas Otamendi will also play his final international game alongside Messi on Tuesday.[Al Jazeera]
- Centre back Cristian Romero is slated to take over the team captaincy from Messi.[Al Jazeera]
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced the national team's number 10 jersey will not be reassigned until after Messi's farewell.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Messi will fulfill his Inter Miami contract through 2028 or choose full retirement earlier remains unconfirmed following his recent personal remarks.[Al Jazeera]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.