The final chapter of Lionel Messi’s illustrious international football career is rapidly approaching. The countdown will officially conclude on the night of 6 October, when the legendary Argentine forward steps onto the pitch in national colours for the very final time. As anticipation reaches fever pitch across the global football community, supporters are momentarily setting aside future uncertainties to focus entirely on Messi’s emotional farewell fixture against Benin.
Ahead of this monumental milestone, the iconic captain shared a poignant video across his official social media channels, instantly striking an emotional chord with millions of admirers worldwide. In the video, the Argentine legend is seen placing a bespoke pair of football boots—styled in the distinctive sky-blue and white colours of the national flag—onto a sofa. Beside them hangs his familiar number ten jersey, which he gently sets aside to reveal a specially crafted alternative. The new shirt retains his iconic squad number but features unique commemorative detailing. Accompanying the visual was a heartfelt caption describing the garment as a final match jersey meant to serve as an enduring lifetime keepsake for his ultimate battle on the international stage.
The emotional announcement generated an immediate outpouring of tributes from sports stars and high-profile figures. Former Barcelona teammate and close friend Neymar Jr. responded with a row of applause emojis, while Argentine Formula One racing driver Franco Colapinto was among the first to comment, expressing collective sentiment by writing that he wished the legendary player would never leave and noting how deeply he would be missed.
Designed specifically to honour the captain’s legacy, the commemorative kit features distinct aesthetic modifications. The traditional light-blue base remains, bisected cleanly by a central vertical white stripe, while the reverse side introduces striking golden typography for player names and numbers. These elements incorporate a stylised tribute known as the “Sun of May,” blending national heritage with modern sportswear design.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has orchestrated this farewell window to ensure the World Cup-winning maestro receives a fitting send-off in front of his home supporters. Prior to the headline fixture against Benin at the iconic Estadio Monumental, Lionel Scaloni’s squad is scheduled to contest two preceding friendlies—facing Bolivia in Córdoba on 30 September and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on 3 October. These fixtures follow Messi’s official announcement last month regarding his impending international retirement at the age of thirty-nine, prompting the national federation to craft a dedicated celebratory itinerary.
In preparation for the historic event, ticket pricing and distribution details have been officially released by the governing body. According to reports from the French sports publication Foot Mercato, public sales commenced via the official platform with tiered pricing structures ranging between fifty-two and two hundred and seventy-eight euros depending on seating category. Standard categories are listed at one hundred and four, one hundred and eighty-five, and two hundred and sixty euros, whilst tickets for children have been heavily discounted to just seventeen euros, ensuring families can witness the historic farewell.
