Lionel Messi’s expected international farewell could also become a significant moment for one of his long-standing Argentina team-mates, Nicolás Tagliafico, who has hinted that his own international career may be approaching its final chapter.
Messi has already indicated that he is nearing the end of his international career. Argentina are scheduled to face Benin at the Monumental on 6 October, a match that could become the final appearance for the legendary forward in front of his home supporters.
The prospect of Messi’s departure appears to have prompted Tagliafico to reflect on his own future. The 34-year-old defender has stopped short of announcing his retirement, but his comments suggest that he is conscious of being in the closing stages of his career.
“I am at the end of my career, so I try to enjoy every moment as much as possible, because no one knows when the final moment will come,” Tagliafico said.
His remarks have fuelled speculation that the Monumental could potentially witness more than one emotional farewell. Tagliafico has previously made comments hinting at the possibility of stepping away from international football, although he has not formally confirmed that he will retire after the match against Benin.
Speaking about Messi’s impending departure, Tagliafico acknowledged that losing a player of his stature would be difficult for Argentina. Messi has been central to the national side for around two decades, becoming the defining figure of a generation and leading the team through several major tournaments.
“These kinds of moments are always difficult. But that is reality, and we have to accept it. At some point, this was always going to happen,” Tagliafico said.
He also drew a comparison with the period following Diego Maradona’s departure from Argentina football. According to Tagliafico, the national side must remain strong and continue competing at the highest level once the Messi era comes to an end.
Argentina’s challenge, he suggested, will not simply be about replacing one individual. The team will have to adapt collectively and build a future without a player who has been an almost constant presence for much of the modern era.
“We had the best player in the world with us for 20 years. But we have to work hard for what is coming and continue improving as a team,” Tagliafico said. “It is difficult to accept, but we have to keep moving forward.”
Tagliafico has been part of Argentina’s recent resurgence and was a member of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His experience also places him among the senior figures who have witnessed the transition from the difficult years of the previous generation to Argentina’s recent success.
That makes his comments particularly relevant as the national team prepares for a major generational change. While Messi’s future has attracted the greatest attention, Tagliafico’s own remarks indicate that another experienced member of Argentina’s successful squad may also be nearing the end of his international journey.
For now, there is no confirmed announcement of Tagliafico’s retirement. But if he does decide to bring his international career to a close around the same time as Messi, the Monumental could provide the setting for an emotional farewell to two important figures in Argentina’s recent football history.
