Lionel Messi to Bid Farewell in Special Jersey During Final International Matches
Messi's Farewell Matches Announcement
Lionel Messi has revealed a unique jersey that he will don during his last international match on home turf. The Argentina national team is set to play three friendly matches in the country from September 21 to October 6, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Schedule for Farewell Friendlies
Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina will face Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium located in Cordoba. The subsequent two matches will take place at River Plate's Stadium, with one against Burkina Faso on October 3 and another against Benin on October 6. Messi, along with teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, is expected to participate in the final friendly on October 6.
Messi's Special Jersey Reveal
On Instagram, Messi showcased a jersey featuring his name and the iconic number 10 in striking gold, adorned with a unique pattern on the back. He captioned the post, "Último partido… Una camiseta para toda la vida One last match… A jersey for a lifetime." This occasion will allow Messi to express his gratitude to fans and bid farewell to international football on home soil.
A Glorious International Career
Earlier in September, Messi announced his retirement from the national team, concluding a remarkable international career that began with his senior debut in 2005. He holds the record as Argentina's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, having led the nation to three significant international titles. Over his career, he made 203 appearances and netted 203 goals for Argentina.
From Trials to Triumphs
The 39-year-old's journey with Argentina was marked by both heartbreak and success. After suffering defeats in the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and the 2016 Copa America final against Chile, Messi finally achieved major success by winning the 2021 Copa America, ending a 28-year trophy drought for Argentina. He then guided the team to World Cup victory in Qatar in 2022, scoring twice in the final against France and converting a penalty in the shootout, leading Argentina to a 4-2 win after a 3-3 draw in extra time. Argentina also retained the Copa America title in 2024, adding another accolade to Messi's illustrious international career.
Messi's World Cup Legacy
Messi's World Cup journey spanned six tournaments from 2006 to 2026, where he scored 21 goals in 34 matches, making him the second-highest goal-scorer in World Cup history. In the 2026 World Cup, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, including his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria.
Continuing Club Career
Despite stepping back from international play, Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.