Lionel Scaloni says Argentina's golden generation will leave behind a foundation strong enough to outlast even Lionel Messi's extraordinary shadow, as the 39-year-old captain prepares to play his final match in Albiceleste colours on Tuesday against Benin at the Estadio Monumental. The occasion, more farewell than fixture, will reunite much of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad in Buenos Aires for a night steeped in nostalgia and gratitude.
Messi's international career closes with a record that few in the sport's history can rival: the 2022 World Cup title, two further World Cup finals, two Copa América crowns, Olympic gold in 2008, and national-team records of 125 goals in 208 appearances. Fans following the build-up across Argentina, Brazil and beyond have been tracking every detail of the send-off, much as cricket followers in India track team news through platforms such as the fairdeal cricket betting app free download, underlining how global sporting audiences now consume these milestone moments in real time.
A Night Built for Farewell, Not Just Football
Nearly the entire 2022 Qatar-winning squad is expected at the Monumental, with only Paulo Dybala, Nahuel Molina and Alejandro Gómez absent. Nicolás Otamendi, Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul all trained with the group over the weekend and are in line to start, giving the match the feel of a reunion as much as a competitive fixture. Messi arrived in Rosario with his family on Friday before linking up with the squad on Sunday for his final training sessions in national colours.
Scaloni Confident in What Comes Next
"Messi leaves behind something unequaled," Scaloni said, reflecting on a bond between player and coach that delivered Argentina's long-awaited third World Cup. "We have to keep playing, but the feeling of having him on the pitch is unique. I've never seen anyone else convey what he does on a football field, and that is what we're going to miss." Even so, the coach - reportedly in advanced talks over a new four-year deal - insists the national team's standards will not slip. "The Argentine national team will endure. We will remain at a high level, I have no doubt about that."
Early Signs of the Next Generation
Scaloni's optimism is not without evidence. In Messi's absence over the past week, Argentina beat Bolivia 4-0 and thrashed Burkina Faso 7-0, results that, while against lesser opposition, showcased a promising new core. Established figures such as Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez were joined by rising talents Nico Paz, Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni and Leonel Flores. Argentina's first major test without Messi arrives at the 2028 Copa América - a tournament that will show just how durable Scaloni's vision for the post-Messi era truly is.
