At Ezeiza, on the southern edge of Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi has joined Argentina for the final international appearance of his career. The captain reported to Lionel Scaloni’s camp on Sunday and took part in his first session ahead of Tuesday’s farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental.
The news from the club
Messi arrives with little time on the training ground before returning to Argentina’s principal football stage. Scaloni has only two sessions available to settle his starting side for the occasion, with Sunday’s workout followed by a final afternoon training session on Monday.
The forward was selected solely for the Benin fixture, fitting the call-up around his Inter Miami commitments. He did not feature in Argentina’s preceding matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, but will now close his Albiceleste chapter in Buenos Aires.
Several established figures from Scaloni’s era have also been summoned for the captain’s final days with the national team. Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolás Otamendi are all set to be part of the group around Messi for the Monumental occasion.
The squad’s preparations include a traditional barbecue at the Ezeiza training complex on Sunday evening, with Diego Iacobelli overseeing the grill. Leandro Paredes will attend despite being unavailable for the match because of a disciplinary suspension.
The emotional weight of the gathering was already evident after the win over Burkina Faso. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez said the world champions would try to “spoil him for the little time he has left” with the side.
The final days before Benin
Monday’s session will be Scaloni’s last opportunity to make tactical decisions and choose the players who will start alongside the No. 10. Argentina then meet Benin on Tuesday, when Messi is due to make his final appearance in the national shirt at the Estadio Monumental.
