BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) – Expect an outpouring of emotions as Lionel Messi plays a farewell game for Argentina on Tuesday, with fans bracing for tears during this poignant event.

The friendly match against Benin, set to take place in Buenos Aires, has been affectionately dubbed "The Night That No One Wants to End." This game marks Messi's final appearance for his country, and expectations are high as thousands of fans gather to pay tribute to the soccer legend.

Now 39 years old, Messi announced his international retirement in the aftermath of Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain in July 2023. He stated, "The time has come," signaling the end of an illustrious international career. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) persuaded the icon to make one last appearance, ensuring he receives "the farewell he deserves" from his devoted fans at Estadio Monumental.

AFA emphasized that this match would "transcend sports" and promised an event brimming with emotion, highlighting the significance of Messi's contributions to the national team over the years.

In anticipation of his farewell, Messi has shared social media posts featuring his arrival to join the national team for the last time and glimpses of his final training sessions. "Special moments I know I will miss," he reflected, capturing the bittersweet essence of this occasion.

Messi's career has seen him nearly achieve back-to-back World Cups when Argentina, the defending champion, lost to Spain 1-0 in the 2023 final in New Jersey. However, he achieved the pinnacle of his ambitions four years earlier, in 2022, when he led Argentina to victory in Qatar, mirroring the feats of fellow Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona.

Throughout his career, Messi has made 207 appearances for the Argentine national team, becoming its all-time leading scorer with 125 goals—21 of which were scored in World Cups. Notably, he holds the record for participating in six World Cups, tying with his longtime rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

After a brief retirement from international duty in 2016, Messi entered a highly successful phase with the national team, winning tournaments including the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, as well as the coveted World Cup title in 2022.

Despite concluding his international career, Messi continues to play at the club level with Inter Miami. Recently, he celebrated a victory in the Campeones Cup, marking his fourth trophy with the team since his transfer.

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