Messi ready for the last dance – but not without it

Messi ready for the last dance – but not without

According to Sports.

Background

Lionel Messi, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, played for the Selección de Argentina for over 21 years. His farewell game will be marked not only by his personal successes, but also by the legacy he leaves behind, especially with a view to the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where Argentina will be hoping for a strong performance.

Why this is important

Lionel Messi's farewell game is a significant event for Argentine football and the fans who have supported him for more than two decades. However, the choice of opponents has raised questions as they do not offer the usual competition and call into question the sporting integrity of the event. These controversies could influence the perception of Messi's career and the current state of Argentine football.

Key findings

• Messi ready for the last dance – but not without it.
• Lionel Messi is farewelled by over 80,000 fans in his last match for Argentina at the Monumental.
• 👑 Messi, all set for The Last Dance! But not without controversy... 😨 - Yahoo Sports.

Lionel Messi will play his last game for the Argentine national team next evening at the legendary Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Over 80,000 fans will be there to say goodbye to their idol. Tickets for this special event sold out in just two hours. This farewell gesture comes more than 21 years after Messi's debut against Hungary in August 2005, which ended with a red card after just a few seconds. Ironically, it was also against Hungary that Diego Armando Maradona played his first game for the Albiceleste in 1977. Both players made their mark on Argentine football history, but Messi's departure comes at a time of controversy and internal problems within the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The AFA has selected opponents in this international window that are well below the level of the best national teams. The first two games were against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, who were beaten 4-0 and 7-0 respectively. Benin was chosen as a sparring partner for the conclusion, which attracted criticism. Coach Lionel Scaloni said he would have liked to have been able to compete against stronger teams. The case of Burkina Faso was particularly notable, as the country's senior national team boycotted the game and sent an under-23 team to the field instead. The AFA also appears to have taken economic considerations into its selection of opponents. A Colombian agency was reportedly hired to find national teams that would play without high compensation. This led to a series of friendlies with limited sporting value, with Benin willing to turn up for the game without pay to take advantage of the visibility associated with Messi's departure. These decisions have brought the already criticized AFA further into public criticism. However, on the pitch the focus will be on Messi. The player has scored 125 goals for the national team, experienced four lost finals and won numerous titles that have forever changed his relationship with the Selección: the Copa América 2021, the Finalissima against Italy, the World Cup in 2022 and another Copa América in 2024. This summer, Messi led the Argentines to the World Cup final, where they lost to Spain, before retiring after the death of his father, who suffered from a serious illness suffered, announced his resignation. Tomorrow the Monumental will be dedicated to Lionel Messi. He will bring to an end a history of over 20 years in which he has broken almost every record in the Selección and finally won the trophies that had long eluded him. Argentina is ready to say goodbye to its D10S.

What happens next

After the farewell game, the discussion about the future direction of the Argentine national team and the role of the AFA will increase in the coming months. Coach Lionel Scaloni will be under pressure to make the team more competitive for the 2026 World Cup, especially after criticism from opponents. Messi himself could continue to play a role in football, perhaps as a mentor to the next generation of players.

Frequently asked questions

What will happen next evening at the Estadio Monumental?

Lionel Messi will play his last game for the Argentine national team.

Who confirmed the selection of opponents for the Argentine national team?

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed the selection of opponents.

Why does Argentina play against opponents who are considered weaker?

The AFA also took economic considerations into consideration when selecting its opponents.

Which teams did Argentina beat in this international window?

Argentina lost against Bolivia and Burkina Faso plays and won both games.

What controversies are there in connection with Messi's farewell game?

Messi's departure comes at a time of controversy and internal problems within the Argentine Football Association.

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