Is this really the end? After two decades of magic, heartbreak and finally World Cup glory, Lionel Messi is reportedly set to pull on the famous albiceleste shirt one last time — and it's going to be emotional.

As first reported by cbinews.tv, the greatest to ever do it is in line for an official farewell in Buenos Aires.

We are talking about Lionel Messi — eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Rosario boy turned global icon, and the man who finally ended Argentina's 36-year wait for a World Cup in Qatar.

cbinews.tv reports that Messi announced his retirement from international duty on 29th August, linking the decision to a hugely difficult period off the pitch and the toll of a long international cycle. The report references a World Cup final defeat to Spain and the recent death of his father Jorge — details that have not been independently confirmed by the AFA or Messi’s family, and which contrast with public records. Jorge Messi has been a highly visible figure around his son’s career, and Argentina remain the reigning world champions after beating France in the 2022 final.

What is clear is the ‘why’ behind a farewell. If any player has earned a proper send-off, it is Messi.

Let’s put that legacy into perspective, because the numbers are just absurd.

As cited by Cbnews.tv, Messi leaves with 125 goals in 207 caps — making him Argentina’s all-time top scorer and appearance maker by a mile. For context:

* He overtook Gabriel Batistuta’s long-standing record of 54 goals back in 2016.

* He led Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021, ending a 28-year trophy drought, before the ultimate prize in 2022.

* He is the only man in history to win the World Cup Golden Ball twice (2014 and 2022).

From that teenage debut against Hungary in 2005 — sent off after just 47 seconds — to lifting the trophy in Lusail, it has been a 20-year rollercoaster.

This is more than tactics and trophies. This is about a kid from Grandoli who needed growth hormone treatment, who was told he was too small, who carried the weight of Maradona comparisons his entire career.

For many Argentines, Messi was never just a footballer. He was the quiet kid who let his feet do the talking, who cried after losing three straight finals, and who finally gave an entire nation permission to believe again in 2022. A farewell at the Monumental — where 84,000 fans can sing ‘Muchachos’ one last time for their captain — is deeply personal.

AFA boss Tapia summed it up best in comments carried by cbinews.tv: Messi deserves the farewell he has earned.

Why should you care if you are not an Argentina fan? Because we are watching the last dance of football’s most enduring genius.

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo defined an era. With Ronaldo also in the twilight of his international career, October 6th could mark the closing of a 20-year chapter of football history. For the next generation — the likes of Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal and Endrick — it is the passing of the torch.

For Argentina, it also raises a massive football question: How do you even begin to replace him?

Take this with a pinch of salt. Messi has flirted with international retirement before — famously in 2016 after the Copa América final defeat to Chile, only to return two months later. He is still performing at an elite level with Inter Miami, and Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has always said the door will remain open for as long as Messi wants.

This October fixture is being framed as a farewell, not necessarily a final, final goodbye. Think of it more like a national thank you — a chance for fans who could not be in Qatar to say their piece.

1. Official Confirmation: We are waiting for the AFA to publish the official squad list and ticketing details for the Benin match. Keep an eye on their channels in the coming days.

2. The Farewell Itself: Expect a full ceremony on October 6th, with tributes, former teammates, and family on the pitch at the Monumental.

3. Beyond October: Will Messi stay on for the 2026 World Cup as a squad player or mentor? Scaloni has not ruled it out. For now, Argentina must plan for life without their No.10.

One thing is certain: Buenos Aires will not be dry-eyed that night.

Source: cbinews.tv

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