SoccerSep 26
Messi’s Argentina farewell jersey unveiled ahead of Benin friendly
A special sky blue, white and gold design will mark Lionel Messi’s final international appearance at the Monumental Stadium on Oct. 6.
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A farewell in Buenos Aires
Lionel Messi will wear a commemorative Argentina jersey when he ends his international career against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Oct. 6. The friendly follows the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward’s announcement in late August that he would retire from national-team duty. Demand for his farewell was immediate: all 85,000 tickets were purchased within two hours of sales opening Thursday. The occasion will close a 21-year Argentina career that included two Copa América triumphs and a World Cup title.
Gold details and a personal touch
Adidas has revealed a bespoke version of Argentina’s familiar sky blue and white stripes, adding gold accents and details drawn from the national flag. The Sun of May features across the front and back, while Messi’s personal M emblem replaces the Adidas logo on the chest. His name and No. 10 appear in gold. A further tribute at the back of the neck combines his name with a sun-shaped motif and his number framed by laurel branches. Messi previewed the shirt on Instagram with a short video of himself hanging it up. He will pair the farewell jersey with custom white and gold boots.
A final chance to add to his tally
The Benin match is set to be Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina, giving the captain an opportunity to build on his 125 senior international goals. With the stadium sold out, the focus will extend beyond the result as Argentina supporters gather to salute the departing forward.
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