Messi Arrives at Argentina Camp Ahead of Tuesday Farewell Match
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi arrived at Argentina's Ezeiza training camp on Sunday to prepare for his international retirement match against Benin at Estadio Monumental on Tuesday. The 39-year-old legend, who has scored a record 125 goals in 207 appearances for La Albiceleste, will don a special limited-edition jersey featuring the Sun and Laurel design. Teammates including De Paul, Otamendi, and Lo Celso will start the match, while approximately 85,000 fans are expected to witness the historic farewell.
Key Points
- Messi, 39, arrived at the Ezeiza national team camp on Sunday and completed his first light training session with teammates
- The farewell match takes place Tuesday at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, with kickoff scheduled for 07:00 Hong Kong time on Wednesday
- Special one-day jerseys feature Argentina's iconic Sun and Laurel wreath wrapping around the number 10
- Argentina FA President Claudio Tapia arranged this tribute so Messi could receive a fitting farewell in his homeland
- Most 2022 World Cup-winning teammates including De Paul, Otamendi, and Lo Celso will start, though Dybala and Molina miss out due to club obligations
Why It Matters
Messi's retirement marks the end of an unprecedented 21-year international career that transformed Argentina into a global football powerhouse. The farewell match celebrates a legacy that includes a 2022 World Cup title and two Copa America trophies, providing closure for fans worldwide who witnessed the career of arguably the greatest player in football history. For Hong Kong bettors following football markets, the match represents a historic betting opportunity with emotional significance for global sports enthusiasts.
Messi's retirement marks the end of an unprecedented 21-year international career that transformed Argentina into a global football powerhouse. The farewell match celebrates a legacy that includes a 2022 World Cup title and two Copa America trophies, providing closure for fans worldwide who witnessed the career of arguably the greatest player in football history. For Hong Kong bettors following football markets, the match represents a historic betting opportunity with emotional significance for global sports enthusiasts.