Lionel Messi bid farewell to the Argentina national team in tears and celebration, while Cristiano Ronaldo departed Portugal in anger after a conflict with coach Jorge Jesus.
Just before the friendly match between Argentina and Benin, following the solemn flag ceremony and national anthem, the customary coin toss for field selection led to a special moment: Captain Lionel Messi's final handshake in an Argentina jersey.
As the guest opponent in Lionel Messi's national team farewell match on 7/10, Benin defender Tijani Mohamed is eager to play and will do everything to exchange jerseys with the home legend.
A traditional barbecue, rekindling memories among veteran players, was recently held at the Argentina national team's Ezeiza headquarters, on the day Lionel Messi joined his teammates to prepare for his farewell national team match against Benin.
Former Real Madrid coach and CEO, Jorge Valdano, states that the current Spanish national team is the most elite squad in world football, similar to the status Brazil once held throughout history.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that Lionel Messi will play his final match for the national team in a friendly against Benin on 6/10 at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
According to the British newspaper Telegraph, Enzo Fernandez submitted two transfer requests to Chelsea's board and alienated his teammates before finalizing a move to Manchester City on the last day of the summer 2026 transfer window.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes, banned for 10 international matches after an incident in the 2026 World Cup final, may follow Lionel Messi by retiring from the Argentina national team.
Had he maintained his decision to leave the Argentina national team ten years ago, Lionel Messi might not have established his legendary status in football today.
From a red card in his debut match to the peak of winning the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi experienced a journey of more than two decades, filled with glory and challenges with the Argentina national team.
