Argentina are preparing to close a historic chapter on 6 October, when Lionel Messi is expected to make his final appearance for the national team in a friendly against Benin. The 39-year-old forward’s farewell has been given its own visual tribute, with Adidas unveiling a special shirt centred on the number that became inseparable from his international career.
The kit features a gold number 10 on the back, aligned with the Sun of May from Argentina’s flag, which appears as a subtle transparent detail across the shirt. The design was presented on social media with guitar music, framing the occasion as the final stop in Messi’s long journey with La Albiceleste.
Messi is due to leave an extraordinary international record behind: 207 appearances, 125 goals and the World Cup triumph in 2022. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner transformed Argentina’s modern history, eventually lifting the trophy that had long eluded him and his country.
Argentina will play twice before the Benin match, facing Bolivia on 30 September and Burkina Faso on 3 October. Messi, formerly the team’s captain, will not take part in either of those fixtures, with the focus instead set on the 6 October farewell.
