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Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina in a match that will be far from ordinary, with the world champions preparing a special farewell for their captain.
The 39-year-old forward will wear the Argentina jersey for the last time when the team face Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on October 6. For the occasion, Messi will wear a special-edition jersey featuring golden details alongside Argentina’s traditional sky-blue and white colours.
Messi himself gave fans a first glimpse of the shirt on social media. In a video showing him replacing an old Argentina jersey with the new one, he wrote: “Last match. A jersey for a lifetime.”
Adidas later unveiled details of the commemorative design.
The shirt retains Argentina’s traditional sky-blue and white colours but features several special additions. Golden detailing appears on the collar and sleeves, while Messi’s name and his iconic No. 10 are printed in gold on the back.
One of the most distinctive elements is the “Sun of May”, an important national symbol of Argentina. A special sun-ray design surrounds Messi’s name and No. 10, giving the shirt a commemorative look for his farewell.
Messi announced his decision to retire from international football in August. The Argentine Football Association subsequently arranged the match against Benin as an opportunity to give him an official farewell on home soil.
The huge demand for tickets has underlined the significance of the occasion. Argentine media reported that all tickets for the match at the Monumental were sold out in less than two hours after sales opened on September 24.
The stadium, which has a capacity of around 85,000, is expected to be packed with supporters eager to see Messi represent Argentina for the final time.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and has enjoyed an international career spanning more than two decades. He has won the Copa America, Finalissima and FIFA World Cup with Argentina, among other major honours.
He lifted the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022 and the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
Messi has so far made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals. He will have one final opportunity to add to that tally in his farewell match.
Regardless of whether he scores, Messi’s legacy in Argentine football will remain indelible.