Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday when the World Cup champions face Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental, bringing an emotional chapter of the country's football history to a close.
The 39-year-old forward leaves behind a remarkable international career spanning two decades, highlighted by Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph, two other World Cup final appearances in 2014 and 2026, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, an Olympic gold medal in 2008 and a national-record 125 goals.
Messi's departure inevitably raises questions about whether Argentina can maintain its place among the world's elite or face another prolonged wait for major silverware, similar to the 35-year trophy drought that followed Diego Maradona's era.
“Messi leaves behind something unequaled,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “We have to keep playing, but the feeling of having him on the pitch is unique.”
Scaloni, who is in advanced talks to extend his contract for another four years, remains confident about Argentina's future.
“The Argentine national team will endure. We will remain at a high level, I have no doubt about that,” he said.
A new generation emerges
Argentina have already shown signs of life beyond Messi, winning their first two matches without him by convincing margins last week. They defeated Bolivia 4-0 and Burkina Faso 7-0, with several emerging players making their mark.
Established stars including goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defender Cristian Romero, midfielder Enzo Fernández and striker Lautaro Martínez remain central to the team, while younger talents such as Nicolás Paz, Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni and Leonel Flores are pushing for bigger roles.
Paz, who plays for Italian club Como, scored against Burkina Faso and has been viewed by supporters as one of the leading candidates to carry Argentina forward.
Flores, a Boca Juniors academy product who made his professional debut only two months ago, has already received senior international experience.
“There's a changing of the guard; maybe we have to play differently now, not thinking in terms of ‘Messi and 10 others,’ but rather as a unified team,” Argentina supporter Cristian Versalles, 55, told AP.
His 23-year-old son Ramiro also pointed to the depth of emerging talent, saying there is “definitely a new generation ready to step up.”
Lautaro Martínez, meanwhile, continues to strengthen his place in Argentina's history. His goal against Burkina Faso took his international tally to 42, making him the country's third-highest scorer.
For Argentina fans, Messi's departure is emotional, but many remain confident about the team's prospects.
“As long as the players are eager to give their all for the shirt, for me, Argentina will remain a contender,” supporter Valentina Gago, 20, said.
Argentina's next major test without Messi will come at the 2028 Copa América.