Messi to play final international match for Argentina Tuesday, says sport.ORF.at

Lionel Messi will play his 208th and final international match for Argentina on Tuesday evening at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, bringing a definitive end to a 20-year career with the Albiceleste, sport.ORF.at reported. Over 80,000 fans are expected to witness the fixture, for which the 39-year-old has been issued a special jersey featuring a gold squad number. Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the magnitude of the departure, stating that the decision is permanent unlike a previous brief retirement a decade ago.

The Decision to Step Away From International Football

Messi announced his departure from the national side on August 31, following weeks of speculation. He pointed to a combination of factors, including a hard-fought defeat to Spain in extra time during the recent World Cup final and the death of his father, Jorge, at age 68, which prompted him to reflect on his future. It was a decision that hurt me deeply and still hurts, but I understand that it’s time. Messi said in his official retirement announcement, describing a choice that still hurts his soul. Scaloni noted that the squad will miss Messi far beyond his on-field contributions.

A Historic National Career in Numbers

Messi’s international journey began with a turbulent start when he received a red card seconds after making his senior debut as an 18-year-old against Hungary on August 17, 2005. Over the next two decades, he accumulated 207 appearances, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists across 17,120 total minutes of play. His record includes 34 matches and 21 goals at World Cup tournaments, highlighted by a victory in Qatar in December 2022 where Argentina defeated France on penalties after a 3-3 draw following extra time.

Messi Stays with Inter Miami Through 2028

While his international career concludes, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer through the end of 2028. Beyond his playing days in North America, his business portfolio encompasses a hotel chain, real estate investments, and two Spanish football clubs, including Spanish second-division side CD Eldense, which he acquired in early October. Scaloni’s own future remains uncertain as his contract expires at the end of the year, marking a transitional phase for Argentine football.