Farewell Messi: Messi arrives in Argentina ahead of farewell match against Benin | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has arrived in Argentina ahead of his farewell game with the national team, a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Messi flew in from Miami on Friday on a private jet with his family, landing in his hometown of Rosario, according toESPN.

The match will be his final appearance for his country, following an international career that has spanned a record-breaking 207 caps and 125 goals.

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, and the Argentine Football Association has said the intention of the fixture is to ensure 'the best player in the world gets the home send-off he truly deserves'.

Several teammates from Argentina's 2022 World Cup success will join the celebration. However, neither Paulo Dybala nor Nahuel Molina will feature after AS Roma declined to release them.

Messi will not participate in this weekend's fixture with Burkina Faso, before concluding his iconic Argentina career next week.

Tuesday's fixture brings the curtain down on a 21-year international career in the Albiceleste shirt. Messi made his debut for Argentina as a teenager in 2005 and has since embarked on a storied career with his country.

The 39-year-old has featured in three World Cup finals, beating France in the 2022 decider, and has twice won the Copa America, in 2021 and 2024. Messi also captained Argentina to Finalissima success in 2022. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has ever recorded more international caps and goals in men's football.