Lionel Messi joins Argentina camp ahead of historic international farewell against Benin
Lionel Messi has joined the Argentina national team for his final international match against Benin in Buenos Aires. The event is being framed as a historic farewell for the 39-year-old football legend after a 21-year career.
Why it matters
Messi is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in history, and his retirement from international football marks the end of a significant era in global sports.
Lionel Messi has linked up with the Argentina national squad at Ezeiza ahead of Tuesday's monumental farewell friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is preparing to pull on the Albiceleste shirt for the final time, bringing the curtain down on an unmatched 21-year international career on his own terms.
The 39-year-old forward reported to Ezeiza on Sunday to begin preparations for his ceremonial outing against Benin at Estadio Monumental. Lionel Scaloni's squad reunited with their skipper riding high on momentum, having dispatched Bolivia 4-0 before cruising to a resounding 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso . The talisman's opening workout wrapped up with a traditional squad asado on Sunday evening.
The captain heads into Tuesday boasting a national record of 125 goals in 207 caps, an extraordinary haul highlighted by the World Cup, two Copa America titles, and the Finalissima.
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