Messi Completes Final Argentina Training Before Monumental Farewell
Lionel Messi has completed his final Argentina training session at the Ezeiza complex before what is set to be his last appearance for the national team at Estadio Monumental.
The captain will bring an extraordinary international record into Tuesday’s farewell match in Buenos Aires: 207 caps and a national-best 125 goals. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner could still extend both totals before ending his Argentina career.
Quick facts
- Messi trained for the final time with Argentina at Ezeiza before Tuesday’s match at Estadio Monumental.
- He has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for his country.
- Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolás Otamendi, Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolás Tagliafico are back after recent rests.
- Leandro Paredes will attend despite a suspension, while Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina cannot travel after AS Roma declined their release.
- Argentina will wear a special shirt featuring the Sun of May and laurel detailing in recognition of Messi’s legacy.
The session carried a celebratory tone, with Messi’s current team-mates joined by former Argentina players. Ezequiel “Pocho” Lavezzi was among those present to support the forward ahead of the occasion.
Messi later posted photographs from training on Instagram, including images of the squad sharing a relaxed moment together. “Special moments that I know I’m going to miss,” he wrote as the final preparations concluded.
Lionel Scaloni has recalled several experienced figures for the farewell fixture. De Paul, Otamendi, Lo Celso and Tagliafico return after sitting out previous games, restoring much of the established core around their captain.
Paredes will not be available to play because of suspension, but is expected to watch from the stands. Dybala and Molina will be absent after Roma prevented the pair from making the trip.
Argentina’s commemorative strip will be worn by the whole squad, with the national Sun of May and laurel branches incorporated into its design. The kit is intended as a tribute to Messi’s standing in the team’s history.
After the Monumental farewell, Messi will return to Inter Miami for his club programme in the United States. Scaloni, meanwhile, will begin the next phase of Argentina’s cycle with a greater focus on introducing younger players in the post-Messi era.
