He announced his international retirement after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain, saying, "The time has come."

The Argentine Football Association organized the farewell, calling the game "The Night That No One Wants to End" and expecting thousands of fans at the Estadio Monumental.

Messi has appeared in 207 games for Argentina, scoring 125 goals, and he has played in a record‑tying six World Cups.

He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. At club level he continues with Inter Miami.

For many Argentinians, the match is more than a friendly; it is a moment of national pride and shared emotion that will be remembered for years.