Lionel Messi will play his last game for Argentina on Tuesday, a farewell friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

About 85,000 fans are expected to fill the stadium. Messi will hand over the captain’s armband for good, ending an international career that spans more than two decades.

Messi announced his retirement in August. The decision came two and a half months after Argentina lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey. He wrote that he had “nothing left to give” and that young players deserved their chance.

He bows out as Argentina’s record scorer with 125 goals in 207 games, plus a record 68 assists. His honours include the 2022 World Cup, two Copa Americas and the Finalissima. Messi stays under contract with Inter Miami until 2028.

Tickets for the farewell sold out quickly, and the AFA is planning pre-match tributes. Coach Lionel Scaloni said he tried to convince Messi to stay, but respected his call. The friendly was moved from October 10 to October 6 to fit the farewell plans. Messi’s eight Ballon d’Or awards remain a record, and Argentina fans see the night as the end of a golden era.