Is this the last dance? Messi's emotional goodbye to Argentina

Is this the last dance? Messi's emotional goodbye to Argentina

According to Foxsports.

Background

Lionel Messi, Argentina's all-time top scorer, has scored 125 goals in his international career. Their final match will be against Benin, an important moment for Argentina. Messi's influence and his achievements, such as two Copa America trophies and an Olympic gold medal, will remain indelible in Argentine football history.

Why it matters

Lionel Messi's final match marks the end of an era for Argentina. He has led Argentina to many achievements in his career, including winning the 2022 World Cup. Without Messi, Argentina will have to prove that they can maintain their position in international friendly football.

Key points

• Is this the last dance? Messi's emotional goodbye to Argentina.
• Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina will be against Benin, marking the end of an era for the national team. Coach Lionel Scaloni is optimistic for the future..
• One Last Dance? Messi Set for Emotional Argentina Farewell in Buenos Aires | FOX Sports.

Lionel Messi, who has been Argentina's most influential player over the past two decades, is set to take the field for his country for the final time. On Tuesday they will play in a friendly against Benin, which will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. This match is an important moment for Argentine football, as Messi leaves behind a wealth of countless achievements. Apart from winning the 2022 World Cup, he has two more World Cup finals (2014, 2026), two Copa America trophies (2021, 2024), and an Olympic gold medal (2008) to his name. Messi has scored a total of 125 goals for the national team, making him Argentina's all-time top scorer.

Following Messi's international retirement, the question arises whether Argentina will be able to maintain their position in global football, or whether they will face a long trophy drought after Messi. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said, "Messi is leaving something extraordinary. We have to continue playing, but his feeling of being on the field is unique. I have never seen anyone else express something like that on the field."

However, Scaloni, who is now in the final stages of negotiations to renew his contract for another four years, maintains a positive outlook even without Messi. "The Argentina national team will survive. We will remain at a high level, I have no doubt about that," he said.

In the first two matches without Messi, Argentina recently recorded impressive 4-0 wins against Bolivia and 7-0 against Burkina Faso. These matches may have been against weaker opponents, but they offered glimpses of the future. Along with experienced players such as Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, an exciting group of new talent has also emerged. Creative midfielders such as Nicolas Paz and Franco Mastantuno and wingers such as Gianluca Prestiani and Lionel Flores have shown their talent.

Flores, a Boca Juniors youth player, made his professional debut just two months ago and now already has senior national team experience. Christian Versalles, a supporter, said, "This is a process of change; we must no longer play as 'Messi and 10 others', but as an integrated team."

Special attention is being paid to Messi's replacement Nicolas Paz, who plays for Italian club Como and has been successful in scoring recently. "I'm very sad that he doesn't play for Argentina anymore," said 10-year-old fan Uzzi Rivero.

However, young Argentina fan Valentina Gago said, "I'm curious about Argentina without Messi; my favorite player is Lautaro Martínez. He's not the same as Messi, but I like him just as much." Lautaro Martínez scored a goal against Burkina Faso and became Argentina's third all-time goal-scorer.

The Argentina team will now test its abilities in the 2028 Copa America.

What will happen next

Following Messi's retirement, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed a positive outlook towards the team's future. He said that the team will remain at a high level, even if Messi is no longer contributing. Young players like Lautaro Martínez and Nicolas Paz may get a chance in the upcoming matches, who can provide a new direction for the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will be Messi's last match?

Messi's final match will be on Tuesday in a friendly against Benin.

Who commented on Messi's goodbye?

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has commented on Messi's goodbye.

What will be the impact on Argentina's situation after Messi?

Without Messi, Argentina's situation raises questions about whether they will be able to maintain their position in global football.

How has Argentina performed in recent matches without Messi?

Argentina recorded a spectacular 4-0 win against Bolivia and 7-0 against Burkina Faso without Messi.

What did Scaloni say about the team's future without Messi?

Scaloni said that the Argentina national team will survive and they will remain at a high level.

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