Argentina's Lionel Messi, center, trains for his final game with the national team, an international friendly soccer match against Benin, with teammate Rodrigo De Paul, right, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Oct.
5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello) The end of an era is drawing closer.
Lionel Messi has completed his final training session with the Argentina national team at the Ezeiza training complex, bringing an emotional moment into focus as the captain prepares for his farewell appearance in the famous blue and white stripes.Under head coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi joined his teammates for a final tactical workout before Argentina's scheduled international friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.For the 39-year-old forward, however, the session carried significance far beyond tactics and preparation.
Watch India vs Uruguay: Plenty for both sides to gain, and lose, in FIFA friendly Speaking after walking off the pitch, Messi acknowledged the emotions surrounding the occasion.“Special moments I’m sure I’m gonna miss,” Messi said.After more than two decades with the Albiceleste, those words captured the weight of what is coming.
The training ground that has witnessed countless camps, preparations and celebrations now provided the setting for Messi's final session with Argentina.Argentina's Lionel Messi trains for his final game with the national team, an international friendly soccer match against Benin, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Oct.
5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello) Soccer Football - International Friendly - Argentina Training - Ezeiza Training Complex, Buenos Aires, Argentina - October 5, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Pedro Lazaro Fernandez Argentina's Lionel Messi trains for his final game with the national team, an international friendly soccer match against Benin, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Oct.
5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello) Argentina's Lionel Messi trains for his final game with the national team, an international friendly soccer match against Benin, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Oct.
5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello) Soccer Football - International Friendly - Argentina Training - Ezeiza Training Complex, Buenos Aires, Argentina - October 5, 2026 Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Pedro Lazaro Fernandez One last dance Messi's international journey began in August 2005, when he made his Argentina debut against Hungary.
Since then, he has transformed from a prodigious young talent into the defining figure of a generation.
His Argentina career has included two Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and, above all, the 2022 FIFA World Cup — the trophy that completed the greatest chapter of his international story.Now comes the farewell.Argentina will host Benin at the Estadio Monumental, where thousands inside the stadium and millions watching from afar are expected to celebrate the captain one final time.Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Long-time teammates including Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will share the occasion, while members of Argentina's golden generation are also expected to be present in the stands.
