The football world is preparing for a deeply emotional scene as Messi’s final farewell in the Argentine national team jersey approaches. Coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that the anticipated match against Benin on October 6 will carry a special and heartfelt atmosphere. Scaloni aims to provide every possible condition for the legendary captain to bid farewell to his fans at the Monumental stadium in the capital Buenos Aires, in a moment the coach described as going to be tough for everyone.
This match comes after an international career full of achievements, during which Messi played 207 matches and scored 125 goals since his debut in 2005, becoming the all-time top scorer and the most capped player in the Tango jersey. The Argentine star helped lead his country to win the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, in addition to winning the 2022 World Cup, and led the team to the 2026 World Cup final, which they narrowly lost.
To add an exceptional touch to Messi’s final farewell moment, Adidas is preparing a special jersey featuring a customized emblem in the shape of the letter “M” instead of the company’s logo, with golden details adorning the national team emblem and the jersey number. Messi will also wear special shoes designed with a combination of white, blue, black, and golden accents, fitting this historic event.
On another note, Scaloni announced a new era for the Argentine national team by appointing defender Cristian Romero as the new captain following Messi’s retirement. Scaloni explained that Romero was already the third captain after Messi and Nicolás Otamendi, pointing out that several other players are qualified to wear the captain’s armband such as Emiliano Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, and Lautaro Martínez. Romero (28 years old) has previously worn the captain’s armband three times in important matches, reflecting the coaching staff’s confidence in his leadership abilities.
