Buenos Aires is preparing for an emotional night at the Monumental in Núñez, where Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina. On the journey to the stadium, the captain was seen in tears aboard the team bus, a private moment that underlined the weight of a farewell long anticipated across the country.
The friendly on Tuesday will bring a full Monumental together to salute the player who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup. Messi, wearing the No. 10 that has defined an era for the national side, will step onto the field for one last international match with his country.
Earlier in the day, Messi had addressed Argentina supporters in a video released by one of his sponsors. He thanked them for the affection shown throughout his years with the national team and said he would close this chapter “at peace”.
The occasion extends beyond a routine fixture in the international calendar. For Argentina, it is a chance to say goodbye inside the stadium that has hosted so many defining nights, from difficult qualifying campaigns to the celebrations that followed the country’s return to the summit of world football.
Kick-off at the Monumental is scheduled for 20:00 Brasília time, with every seat expected to be occupied for the farewell to Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain.
