BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina will celebrate the end of a historic era on Tuesday when Lionel Messi makes his final appearance for the national team in an international friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires' iconic Estadio Monumental.

At 39, Messi brings the curtain down on one of the greatest international careers in football history. Over more than two decades, he transformed Argentina into a dominant force, capturing the 2022 FIFA World Cup, reaching two additional World Cup finals in 2014 and 2026, winning Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, earning an Olympic gold medal in 2008, and becoming the country's all-time leading scorer with 125 international goals.

His farewell signals the beginning of a new chapter for Argentina, with supporters and coaching staff confident that the national team has the talent to remain among football's elite.

Scaloni Confident About Argentina's Future

Head coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged that replacing Messi's influence is impossible but believes Argentina is well positioned to continue competing for major trophies.

"Messi leaves behind something truly unique," Scaloni said. "No one else has ever brought what he brought to the field. We'll certainly miss that, but the national team will continue moving forward. I'm confident we'll remain highly competitive."

Scaloni, who is reportedly close to extending his contract for another four years, emphasized that the team's future extends beyond any one player.

A New Generation Emerges

Argentina has already shown encouraging signs in its first matches without Messi, recording dominant victories over Bolivia (4-0) and Burkina Faso (7-0).

Alongside established stars including Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández, and Lautaro Martínez, several young players have impressed, including midfielders Nicolás Paz and Franco Mastantuono, as well as wingers Gianluca Prestianni and Leonel Flores.

Flores, a Boca Juniors academy product who made his professional debut only two months ago, has already earned his first senior international appearances.

Fans Embrace the Transition

While Messi's departure is emotional for supporters, many believe Argentina's future remains bright.

"There is definitely a changing of the guard," supporter Cristian Versalles said. "Maybe the team now has to play differently—not as 'Messi plus ten others,' but as a complete unit."

His son, Ramiro, agreed, pointing to the country's growing pool of young talent.

"Nicolás Paz looks ready to become one of the team's next leaders," he said after the midfielder scored during Argentina's recent victory over Burkina Faso.

Young fans also acknowledged the emotional significance of Messi's farewell. Ten-year-old Uzzi Rivero, wearing Argentina's No. 19 jersey—the number Messi wore during his senior debut in 2005—said he was saddened to see his idol retire but remained confident the national team would continue to succeed.

Another supporter, Valentina Gago, said she is excited about the team's future, naming striker Lautaro Martínez as her current favorite player.

Martínez recently became Argentina's third-highest all-time scorer, reaching 42 international goals, further strengthening his role as one of the team's leaders heading into the next cycle.

The Next Chapter Begins

Although Messi's farewell marks the end of an unforgettable era, Argentina enters its next phase with a talented core, emerging young stars, and ambitions that remain unchanged.

The team's first major opportunity to prove it can thrive in the post-Messi era will come at the 2028 Copa América, where a new generation will seek to build on one of the most successful periods in Argentine football history.