BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi is set to play his final match tomorrow in the Argentina jersey, facing the African side Benin. The match kicks off at 4:30 AM on Wednesday. This is not just an ordinary match for Argentina, but for football history itself. At the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi will lace up his boots for the blue and white jersey one last time, marking the final chapter of a 21-year football love story between the legendary player and his homeland. After the long whistle, Argentine football history will be split in two: Before Messi and After Messi.
Having made his debut for the Argentina national team in 2005, Messi is stepping onto the pitch for his 208th match. His magical left foot has produced 125 goals and 68 assists. He has won two Copa Americas, the Finalissima, and the World Cup, which shattered all criticisms and doubts.
Argentina has never lost a single match in these stats, recording 22 wins and 6 draws. Messi magic has accounted for 19 goals, including a hat-trick against Bolivia. Meanwhile, Benin—an African team that has never come close to World Cup qualification—will remain etched in the annals of football history forever with the distinction of being Messi’s final opponents.
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