Lionel Messi is set to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina, bidding an emotional farewell during a friendly match against Benin. The fixture is scheduled for Tuesday at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, with kick-off set for Wednesday at 00:00 BST. As the nation’s most-capped player and record goalscorer, Messi leaves behind a legacy rivaled only by Diego Maradona.
His retirement from the national setup was confirmed on 31 August, arriving just six weeks after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final. At the time, the 39-year-old stated that he had reached his limit with the national team. While head coach Lionel Scaloni has publicly maintained that the door remains open should Messi choose to change his mind, the player appears firm in his decision to close this chapter.
Messi’s professional focus will now shift entirely to his club duties with Inter Miami. His current contract with the MLS side extends through the 2028 season, though the deal is subject to annual reviews. Sources close to the icon suggest he is unlikely to depart earlier than required and may even seek an extension if he remains physically and mentally prepared to compete. But it is reviewed year by year, and nobody close to him expects him to walk away a day before he has to, the contract with Inter Miami runs to the end of the 2028 season.
Looking toward his post-playing future, associates note that Messi has traditionally avoided long-term planning, preferring to focus on immediate challenges. However, it is widely expected that he will remain involved in football, as he has expressed that he would find it difficult to exist outside the sport. Beyond the pitch, his various business interests are already well-established, positioning him for a transition into a diverse professional life once he finally hangs up his boots.
