Lionel Messi's Argentina Farewell Looms as Scaloni Plots

Lionel Messi's international farewell is now just days away, setting the stage for a profound shift for Argentina. The 39 year old legend will play his final match for the Albiceleste on October 6 against Benin in Buenos Aires, closing a chapter that included a historic 2022 World Cup win and a final run in 2026. Meanwhile, his club side, Inter Miami, is struggling for form in MLS as the season's climax approaches.

Coach Lionel Scaloni is already experimenting. For Argentina's first post Messi friendly against Bolivia on September 30, Scaloni fielded strikers Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez together, a pairing he had previously avoided. He confirmed the team's style will change. "We'll find a way to switch things up and play differently, with two forwards, with three forwards, with three centre backs," Scaloni said. Nicolás Paz, playing for Italy's Como, took on the primary creative duties in Messi's absence for that match.

Scaloni was pragmatic about the monumental task ahead. "He's indispensable, but in the matches where he wasn't there, the team stepped up," the coach admitted. The tactical reshuffle is a direct response to losing a player who contributed 8 goals and 4 assists in his final World Cup this past July.

The shirt is officially in limbo. Scaloni confirmed no player will wear the No. 10 for Argentina's current friendlies. "We aren’t obligated to assign it for these matches, so we won’t give it to anyone until Leo’s farewell game," he stated. The number, which Messi wore for most of his 207 caps and when lifting the World Cup, will only be reassigned after his goodbye at the Monumental stadium. That decision on a successor is one Scaloni is in no hurry to make.

It was another frustrating result. Messi scored a stunning free kick in the 33rd minute for Inter Miami in a 2 1 away loss to the Columbus Crew on September 29. His bending effort from a tight angle leveled the match. But Jamal Thiare slammed home a rebound in the ninth minute of stoppage time to win it for Columbus.

The defeat leaves Miami with just one win in its last ten games. Messi continues to lead MLS in goals (21) and is tied for the lead in assists (13), but his individual brilliance has not translated into consistent team success lately. Miami next hosts D.C. United on October 10.

His 2026 tournament performance at age 39 was statistically dominant beyond the basic goal contributions. The data paints a picture of relentless influence. Messi created 25 chances and completed 15 through balls. He attempted 48 take ons and won 14 possessions that ended with a goal. His activity was constant, averaging a possession every 63.6 seconds over the seven games leading to the final.

Argentina's title defense ended with a 1 0 extra time loss to Spain in the final on July 19, a match where Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time.

• Farewell Match: Lionel Messi's final game for Argentina is scheduled for October 6 against Benin in Buenos Aires.
• Jersey Status: Argentina's No. 10 shirt will remain unassigned until after Messi's farewell, with no immediate successor named.
• Club Form: Messi scored but Inter Miami lost 2 1 to Columbus Crew, extending a poor run of just one win in ten matches.
• World Cup Exit: Messi's international career concluded after the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1 0 to Spain.