Last dance? Messi ready for an emotional farewell with
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
At 39 years old, Lionel Messi will play his final meeting with Argentina against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires. Scaloni remains confident and a new generation is beginning to reveal itself.
Why it matters
Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina represents the end of an era marked by unparalleled success. His impressive record, including a World Cup title and several Copa América, has shaped the identity of the national team. This farewell raises questions about the future of the Albiceleste and the ability of the new generation to maintain the level of excellence established by Messi.
Context
Lionel Messi, at 39, was the pillar of the Argentine team for almost two decades, accumulating 125 goals and numerous titles. His last match, a friendly against Benin, will take place at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, marking a turning point in the history of Argentine football. As Messi steps down, Argentina hopes the new generation can carry on his legacy.
Key points
- Last dance? Messi ready for an emotional farewell with.
- At 39, Lionel Messi will play his final match with Argentina against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.
- One Last Dance? Messi Set for Emotional Argentina Farewell in Buenos Aires | FOX Sports.
Messi's record with Argentina is exceptional: the 2022 world title, two other World Cup finals (2014 and 2026 according to the file), two Copa América (2021, 2024), an Olympic gold medal (2008) and 125 goals, which make him the top scorer in the history of the selection. This colossal track record leaves a sporting and symbolic void, but also the hope of a controlled transition.
Coach Lionel Scaloni, whose contract renewal is in advanced negotiations for four years, praised the player's unique impact: “Messi leaves behind something unparalleled. We have to keep playing, but the feeling of having him on the pitch is unique. I've never seen anyone convey what they do on the field, and that's what we'll miss. » Despite the emotion, Scaloni is optimistic: “The Argentine national team will endure. We will remain at a high level, I have no doubt. »
The first post-World Cup meetings without Messi gave encouraging signs: victories without discussion against Bolivia (4-0) and Burkina Faso (7-0). If the level of the opponents can temper the interpretation of the results, these meetings allowed executives like Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez to assert their role, and above all to observe the emergence of a wave of young talents.
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Among them, creative midfielders Nicolás Paz and Franco Mastantuono, as well as wingers Gianluca Prestianni and Leonel Flores attracted attention. Flores, who came from the youth divisions of Boca Juniors, only made his professional debut two months earlier and has already earned playing time for the national team.
The supporters experienced this moment with emotion mixed with hope. After the success against Burkina Faso, Cristian Versalles (55) spoke of “a changing of the guard” and the idea of playing “as a united team, not thinking ‘Messi and ten others’”. His son Ramiro, 23, sees Nicolás Paz as one of the possible heirs. For his part, the young generation of fans are not unanimous in their sadness: little Uzzi Rivero, 10 years old, wore the number 19 worn by Messi in his debut and confided to being sad that Argentina no longer counted on him, while Valentina Gago, 20 years old, showed her enthusiasm for the post-Messi era by citing Lautaro Martínez as her favorite player.
With his goal against Burkina Faso, Lautaro Martínez is now third top scorer in the history of the Argentine selection with 42 goals, a figure which reinforces his status as an offensive leader for the future.
Argentina is therefore beginning a new era: between nostalgia for the departure of an extraordinary player and curiosity for a generation ready to take over. The world will wait for answers in the big events to come, the next major step being the Copa América 2028.
The rest
After the departure of Messi, the Argentine team looks towards a new era with players like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolas Paz. Coach Lionel Scaloni, whose contract is currently being negotiated, seems confident about the transition. Recent successes in friendlies, notably against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, suggest that Argentina could continue to shine on the international stage, even without their iconic captain.
Frequently asked questions
Which match will Lionel Messi play for his final farewell with Argentina?
Lionel Messi will play a friendly match against Benin.
Why is Messi leaving the Argentina national team now?
Messi, aged 39, retires from international duty after an exceptional career with Argentina.
Who confirmed Messi's last match with Argentina?
Coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi's impact and confirmed his final match.
What are Messi's achievements with the Argentina national team?
Messi has won a world title, two Copa Américas, an Olympic gold medal, and is the best drink
tor of the history of the selection.
What changes are expected for the Argentina national team after Messi's departure?
The Argentine national team plans a transition with the emergence of young talents and the maintenance of a high level of performance.