Lionel Messi lands in Argentina for farewell match against Benin

Lionel Messi has arrived in Argentina ahead of his final international appearance for the national team. Messi landed in his hometown of Rosario on a private jet from Miami with his family. He is set to play in a friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Team News And Honors

The Argentine Football Association stated the goal of the match is to ensure the player gets a proper home send-off. Several fellow 2022 World Cup champions will join the celebrations, though Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina were unable to attend after AS Roma declined to release them. Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, ending a 21-year career in the Albiceleste jersey that includes 125 goals.

FIFA Rules And Squad Numbers

According to Goal.com, FIFA rules have blocked Argentina's plans to permanently retire the iconic number 10 shirt, as governing body regulations require teams to assign squad numbers 1 to 26 during international tournaments. Liberia faced the same issue previously when trying to retire the number 14 shirt for George Weah. Head coach Lionel Scaloni stated that no decision has been made yet on who will wear the number next. However, ESPN Argentina reporter Federico Bueno noted that 22-year-old midfielder Nico Paz is the leading candidate if Scaloni extends his contract.

Travel Issues And Background

Meanwhile, Argentina's other planned friendly against Burkina Faso on Saturday is at risk due to travel issues. Burkina Faso's charter flight from Morocco was canceled, and the local federation is working with sports ministries and embassies to find a solution. Messi's historic career includes reaching the World Cup final in 2026, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain, as well as the 2014 final against Germany.

Context

International football friendlies often serve as celebratory milestones for legendary players stepping away from national duty. National federations frequently organize special tribute fixtures to honor long-serving captains who have shaped the team's modern history. Squad numbering rules in major international tournaments are strictly regulated by world governing bodies to maintain standardized team lists.