Anyone who thinks that Wednesday night's friendly against Benin will be like any other match should think again.
When Lionel Messi says goodbye to the Argentina national team, everything, absolutely everything, is special.
“Just enjoy”
Argentina will wear special match jerseys, and several players who have previously retired from the national team - such as Ángel Di María - will be on hand to pay tribute to one of the greatest players in world history. An incredible 85,000 supporters will pack the stands.
"Of course everyone wants to be there. Now it's just about enjoying this. It will be an unforgettable day," Argentina captain Lionel Scaloni said at a press conference.
Leo Messi, who has scored 125 goals in 207 international appearances, announced his retirement from “la Albiceleste” after this summer’s World Cup, when Argentina lost the final to Spain. The match against Benin is nothing more than a thank-you and farewell performance.
Since winning the 2022 World Cup, Argentina has undergone a generational change, and the match against Benin can be seen as something of a new beginning.
Alongside Messi, veterans such as Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will probably also make their final appearances for Argentina.
"As a collective, we must find a way to fill the void left by Leo," Scaloni said.
“I gave it my all”
During his 22 years with the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi won one World Cup and two Copa América titles.
"I gave everything. I have nothing more to give. And besides, now there are fantastic young players who deserve to get the chance," Messi wrote on social media in August, when he announced his retirement from the national team.
