‘Special moments that I know I will miss’

Updated : 6 October 2026, 09:02

Agencies

Messi shared several photos on social media. One of the most memorable images showed the entire squad, coaching staff and AFA employees together, including Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia. The photos reflected the strong bond that has developed within the team during one of the most successful periods in Argentine football history. PHOTO: FACEBOOK

Lionel Messi is preparing for an emotional farewell to the Argentine national team. Less than 24 hours before his final match for Argentina, the 39-year-old forward shared photos from his last training session with the team and posted a heartfelt message: “Special moments that I know I will miss.”

Messi took part in his final training session at the Ezeiza training complex, which is named after him. He looked happy and relaxed alongside his teammates as Argentina completed preparations for Wednesday’s match [5am, Bangladesh Time] against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.

After the training session, Messi shared several photos on social media. One of the most memorable images showed the entire squad, coaching staff and AFA employees together, including Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia. The photos reflected the strong bond that has developed within the team during one of the most successful periods in Argentine football history.

Messi returned to the national team on Sunday after missing Argentina’s victories over Bolivia and Burkina Faso. During Monday’s training session under coach Lionel Scaloni, he was seen smiling and spending time with close friend and teammate Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi’s international career has been extraordinary. After years of disappointment with Argentina, he finally won the Copa América and later led the country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar. He has also won the Copa America twice and established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the Argentine national team.

His farewell match against Benin is expected to be a special occasion at the Monumental, with the stadium set to be packed with supporters. Several members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad are expected to attend, while special guests and artists will also take part in the celebrations.

Nicolas Otamendi, who plays for River Plate, has also announced his retirement from international football and is expected to be part of the farewell. Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are also among the players called up for the match.

Former Argentina players Ezequiel “Pocho” Lavezzi and Cristian “Kily” González were also present at training as special guests, adding to the emotional atmosphere surrounding Messi’s final days with the national team.

Scaloni still has to decide on his starting lineup. With Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina absent, Agustin Giay or Giuliano Simeone could play at right-back. Argentina could also use a three-man defence to include more of its World Cup-winning players.

The expected lineup could include Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Tagliafico, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez.

For Argentina supporters, Messi’s farewell will be about much more than a football match. It will mark the end of an unforgettable era filled with heartbreak, success and historic achievements. From his difficult early years with the national team to Copa América glory and the unforgettable World Cup triumph in Qatar, Messi has given Argentine fans countless memories.

Now, as he prepares to step onto the pitch for what is expected to be his final match in the famous blue-and-white shirt, Messi’s words perfectly capture the emotion of the moment: “Special moments that I know I will miss.