Lionel Messi has joined Argentina’s national team ahead of what is set to be his final appearance in the country’s famous sky-blue and white colours. The captain arrived in Buenos Aires and took part in training with his team-mates at the Ezeiza training centre as the squad stepped up preparations for the much-anticipated fixture against Benin.
The match, scheduled for early Wednesday, 7 October, Bangladesh time, will take place at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. It is expected to be a landmark occasion for Messi, who is preparing to bring his long international career with Argentina to an end.
The 2022 World Cup-winning captain had reached his hometown of Rosario two days before travelling to Buenos Aires. After spending time in Rosario, Messi made his way to the national team camp, where he joined the rest of the squad for training.
His arrival has added considerable attention to the preparations for the Benin match. While the fixture itself is part of Argentina’s international programme, the focus is firmly on Messi and the significance of his final appearance in the national shirt.
A special tribute has also been planned for the occasion. A commemorative Argentina shirt has been designed specifically for Messi’s final match. It will feature the country’s traditional sky-blue and white vertical stripes, while the central white section will carry the sun emblem associated with Argentina’s national flag.
Messi’s name and his iconic number 10 will appear in gold on the shirt, giving the special edition a distinctive look. The shirt is expected to become one of the most meaningful pieces of memorabilia from the later stage of Messi’s international career.
After the match, the commemorative shirt will be preserved in Messi’s personal museum. It will take its place alongside the numerous trophies and personal achievements that chart his remarkable career. The item will serve as a permanent reminder of his final match in Argentina colours.
Argentina held a training session at 6pm local time yesterday as the players continued their preparations. The squad are scheduled to train for the final time today, Monday, 5 October, before taking on Benin.
Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni are also expected to face the media before the match. Their pre-match comments will be closely followed as anticipation builds around the captain’s farewell.
Messi’s international career has been defined by major achievements and memorable moments. His journey with Argentina includes the long-awaited triumph at the 2022 World Cup, while his leadership has made him one of the most influential figures in the national side’s modern history.
Now, attention turns to the Monumental Stadium. For Argentina supporters, Messi’s appearance against Benin is likely to be about more than the scoreline. It will be a chance to see their captain take the field for what is expected to be the final time in the shirt that has accompanied him through one of the greatest international careers in football.
