On Tuesday, football star Lionel Messi announced his farewell to the Argentine national team on October 6th, in a match against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.
RELATED:
Lionel Messi Retires: Argentina Announces Final Match
The commemorative jersey was unveiled for the occasion, keeping the classic Albiceleste design with light blue and white stripes but incorporating gold details on the collar, cuffs, and crest.
The name “Messi” and the number 10 are also embroidered in gold, highlighting the captain’s presence in his final match with the national team. On the back, the jersey features a pattern of golden rays emanating from the number, evoking the Sun of May from the Argentine crest.
Messi announced his retirement on August 31st, stating that he had “nothing more” to offer after two decades of international career with the Albiceleste. He made his debut on August 17, 2005, in a friendly against Hungary, where he was sent off just seconds after entering the field.
During his career with Argentina, he played 207 matches, scored 125 goals, and provided 68 assists, becoming the national team’s all-time leading scorer. Among his achievements are the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, titles that made him a legend of Argentine football.
Tickets for his farewell match range from US$45 in the general admission section to US$250 in the middle tier. The team will play Bolivia on September 30 and then travel to Buenos Aires for two matches at the Monumental Stadium: Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6.
Coach Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the three friendly matches to be played includes 20 players who participated in the 2026 World Cup, such as Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Lautaro Martinez, along with promising young players who were not part of the tournament.
teleSUR: JP
Source: EFE
Source: teleSUR
