Before leaving La Albiceleste, Messi shares an emotional message

06.10.26 19:00 Friendly International

Argentina

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Benin

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Lionel Messi’s final training session with Argentina had a special significance. As the end of his international career approaches, the Albiceleste captain immortalized these final moments spent alongside his teammates and the coaching staff.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is set to play his final match with Argentina against Benin on Wednesday, October 7, from 00:00 GMT.

Messi’s message ahead of his farewell to Argentina

On social media, “La Pulga” shared several photos taken with his teammates and members of the staff. He accompanied them with a short but particularly evocative message:

"Special moments that I know I will miss…".

As he prepares to turn the page on his international career, Messi boasts an exceptional record with La Albiceleste. The Argentina captain notably holds the record for the most appearances, with 207 caps, while he also tops the national team’s all-time scoring chart with 125 goals.

At the World Cup, Messi has played 34 matches, an absolute record in the history of the competition. He is ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 27 appearances, and Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, third with 25.

The Argentina No. 10 has also taken part in six editions of the World Cup, from Germany 2006 through the 2026 edition.

His honours with Argentina’s national teams notably include two Copa América titles, the 2022 World Cup and the 2022 Finalissima. Messi also won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Argentina: everything you need to know about Messi’s last match in front of 85,000 supporters

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.

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