Lionel Messi is preparing for a historic final appearance with Argentina that will mark a unique milestone in his illustrious international career. Despite his extensive experience and numerous accolades, the upcoming match will see the 39-year-old superstar face a team he has never encountered before.
Messi’s international journey began in August 2005, a debut marked by an early red card against Hungary just two minutes after entering the field. Over the course of nearly two decades, he has played against 63 different national teams, finding the net against 45 of them. However, Benin, Argentina’s opponent in the forthcoming game in Buenos Aires, has never been among them.
A unique farewell encounter
This final game, which will be Messi’s 208th cap, also represents a new experience not only for him but for the Argentine national team itself. Benin, ranked 93rd in the FIFA World Rankings, is unfamiliar territory for both Messi and La Albiceleste.
Interestingly, Argentina’s recent friendly match against Burkina Faso, which resulted in a resounding 7-0 victory for the World Cup champions, was also a first-time meeting, adding to the novelty of these encounters as Messi approaches the end of his international career.
Throughout his 207 previous appearances, Messi has scored an impressive 125 goals, positioning him as the second-highest male international goalscorer ever, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo. Among the teams he has faced most successfully, Bolivia stands out as his favored opponent, having netted 11 goals in 12 matches, followed closely by Ecuador.