The Argentina national team has prepared an emotional tribute for Lionel Messi ahead of his final official match for the Albiceleste, scheduled for October 6 against Benin. The squad signed a commemorative jersey to be presented to the captain during the fixture at the Monumental stadium, a gesture initiated by coach Lionel Scaloni. The team, which sits top of the World Cup qualifying standings with 9 points from three wins, aims to close a historic chapter in the best possible way.
Scaloni expressed his gratitude for sharing Messi's most successful period with the national shirt. "Eternally grateful to have been able to be part of his wonderful history with the Argentina national team jersey," the manager said. Several players added their praise. Defender Cristian Romero, the next captain, was emphatic: "He is a brilliant person and the truth is I love him."
The farewell jersey, featuring the player's name and numbers in gold on a background with the May sun, symbolizes the gratitude of an entire generation. Players like Lisandro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez also shared heartfelt messages in an internal squad video. Midfielder Nicolás Paz, who scored in the recent 4-0 rout of Bolivia, described sharing the pitch with Messi as "a dream".
Messi's farewell comes at a time of sporting strength for the team. With Messi as the current season's top scorer with 8 goals in 8 appearances, Argentina faces a match against Burkina Faso on October 4 before the emotional send-off. Fans can check the full national team schedule on our fixtures page and review the statistics of the world champion squad on stats. Ticket sales for the Benin match, handled by Deportick, are expected in the final days of September.
The original report is at El Comercio PE Deporte Total
The Argentine Football Association confirmed Lionel Messi will not play the friendlies prior to his farewell. The captain, the season's top scorer with 8 goals, is only on the list for the match against Benin on October 6. The AFA detailed that his call-up is "únicamente testimonial" to receive the tribute. Tickets for the match, initially sold out, had a brief restock this Friday in the Belgrano Alta stand at $320,000, but sold out immediately again.
Adidas released the full video of the farewell gift for Lionel Messi. In it, players sign and dedicate a commemorative shirt. Julián Álvarez stated: "Since I was a kid, I've seen him as a role model". Franco Mastantuono and Kevin Mac Allister also appeared, while Emiliano Martínez joked about the length of the messages. The shirt, already seen on Messi's social media, features gold details and a giant sun. Adidas sells it from $229,999. The team, leading with 9 points, faces Burkina Faso on October 4.
Lionel Messi arrived in Rosario this Friday, a day earlier than Scaloni had anticipated, to join the squad. The manager had estimated his arrival for Sunday. Messi traveled from Miami with his family for Tuesday's friendly against Benin, his official farewell. The AFA confirmed that Chilean Fernando Véjar will referee the match. The team, leading with 9 points and a 5-point advantage over Austria, faces Burkina Faso this Saturday.
