Lionel Messi, the superstar of football history, will play his last match for the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. This appearance against Benin, a weak and unknown opponent, symbolizes a grand farewell for one of the greatest players in football history. But why was Benin chosen for this final match?
Why Benin?
The choice of Benin as Messi's last match opponent may reflect a desire to end his international career with a beautiful and memorable goal. Meanwhile, many football legends have faced stronger opponents in their final international matches, creating unforgettable memories for their fans.
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For example, Zinedine Zidane, the French football legend, played his last match in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. By scoring in this match, he not only created a glorious ending to his professional career but also left behind a bitter story with his expulsion and his team's defeat in the penalty shootout.
Grand and Bitter Farewells
Alongside Zidane, players like Francesco Totti and Michael Ballack also experienced different endings. Totti scored in his last international match, experiencing world championship glory, while Ballack bid farewell to international football after failing in the 2002 World Cup final. Such endings show that each player has their own unique story, and the circumstances of farewell can be remarkably different.
Lionel Messi is no exception in this regard. With 85 international goals, he is recognized as the all-time top scorer for Argentina. Now that he is set to play his last match, fans and football experts are eagerly awaiting a special event. Can he achieve a dream farewell by scoring in this match?
Throughout his professional career, Messi has always sought to create lasting memories. Now, it seems that this last match is an opportunity for him to once again revive emotions in the hearts of his fans.
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