Lionel Messi plays final Argentina match against Benin in Buenos Aires

Record legacy ends international career

The 39-year-old forward will retire as the country's record appearance-maker and leading scorer. He leaves with 125 goals in 207 games and a record 68 assists to his name. Several teammates from the 2022 World Cup-winning squad will join him for this final game.

Passing of the torch begins

Messi stated in August that great young players deserve their chance now that he has nothing left to give. The match marks a symbolic passing of the torch for the South American champions. An estimated 85,000 spectators are expected to attend the event at the stadium.

Long journey from obscurity

Argentina authorities did not know his name when his international career began more than two decades ago. A young Cesc Fabregas once told Argentine delegates that Argentina lost because they had their best player at Barcelona. Finding the boy from Rosario proved difficult for the national team selectors in those early years.