Messi Arrives In Argentina For Emotional International Farewell Match

Lionel Messi has arrived in Argentina ahead of what is expected to be his final appearance for the national team when the world champions face Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Messi flew from Miami with his family on a private jet, landing in his hometown of Rosario, around 300 kilometres north of the capital.

The Argentina captain is set to receive a farewell in front of his home supporters as he prepares to draw the curtain on a remarkable 21-year international career.

The Argentine Football Association said the match was intended to give “the best player in the world” the home farewell he deserves.

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, bringing an end to an extraordinary career with the Albiceleste that has included a World Cup triumph in 2022, 125 international goals and several major tournament finals.

A number of his 2022 World Cup-winning team-mates are expected to join the celebrations, although Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will miss the occasion after their club, AS Roma, declined to release them.

With Messi now back on home soil, attention will turn to Tuesday’s emotional farewell as one of football’s greatest-ever international careers reaches its closing chapter.