Lionel Messi will don Argentina’s iconic sky blue-and-white colours for the final time on Wednesday at 5am Bangladesh Time, orchestrating an emotional swansong in front of 85,000 adoring fans at the aptly named Estadio Monumental.
The 39-year-old maestro brings the curtain down on a glittering 21-year international career in a friendly against Benin.
The farewell arrives just months after a crushing World Cup final defeat to Spain.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi confessed upon announcing his retirement, praising the great young players emerging from the ranks.
Messi bows out as Argentina’s ultimate record-breaker, boasting 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 caps.
His legacy as Diego Maradona’s rightful heir was immortalised by ending a 36-year World Cup drought in Qatar, alongside two Copa America triumphs.
Fierce defender Cristian Romero will inherit the captain’s armband.
However, Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the coveted number 10 jersey remains untouched until after the icon’s final whistle.
-DailySun
