Messi's last dance: Is Argentina finally ready to move on as GOAT retires?
This has been a term that has been thrown around a lot whenever we see a famous sportsperson call time on his or her career. But with Lionel Messi set to make his final appearance in the famous colours of Argentina, it kind of feels apt.
The little boy from Rosario, who dreamed of achieving greatness with the Albiceleste, did all he could. Gave everything he had, whether it be sweat, tears and blood. Finally, by his own admission, he didn't have anything left to give.
But he gave Argentina their golden period. After reversing his initial retirement in 2016, he went on to give a World Cup and two Copa America titles. He went close once again in 2026, but ultimately fell to Spain. His father's death, coupled with the loss, made him feel that it was time for him to step away and let the new generation carry the team forward.
Then came the final training session. It wasn't about tactics or high intensity. Monday evening seemed to be all about celebrating the brilliance of a man who gave a lot of joy to the country.
Messi looked happy, content and just felt like having a spring in his step. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SelecciΓΒ³n Argentina (@afaseleccion)"Special moments, I'm sure I'm gonna miss," said Messi after the session.
With the golden generation of stars set to be in the stands, Messi is ready for one final dance. The Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires is all set for the occasion, draped in the colours and number of their favourite maestro.
"Messi leaves behind something unequaled," national coach Lionel Scaloni says. "We have to keep playing, but the feeling of having him on the pitch is unique. I've never seen anyone else convey what he does on a football field, and that is what we're going to miss."
But the big question that remains is: will Argentina survive without Messi?THE EVIDENCE SO FAR
Following the era of the late great Diego Maradona. Argentina had to wait for international glory. They were made to count the days before they had another big name to come into the mix.
Now, Messi is all set to exit. The Benin match is part of a three-match series during the ongoing international break for the 2026 World Cup finalists, which has already seen them play Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
The result was emphatic. A 4-0 win against Bolivia and a 7-0 demolition job of Burkina Faso. The interesting trend in both wins was the variety in terms of goalscorers.
While familiar names such as Emiliano Martnez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernndez and Lautaro Martnez remain central to the team, several youngsters have also begun making their mark. Nicols Paz and Franco Mastantuono have added creativity in midfield, while Gianluca Prestianni and Leonel Flores have provided fresh options out wide.
Flores, a Boca Juniors academy product, is a particularly striking example. The youngster made his senior club debut only two months ago but has already broken into the Argentina setup.
Scaloni was bullish that the Albiceleste will continue be at the top level even if Messi isn't there.
"The Argentine national team will endure. We will remain at a high level, I have no doubt about that," said Scaloni as quoted by AP.WHAT THE FANS FEEL?
Amidst all this, the fans will be the ones who will be a mixed bag of emotions heading into the match on October 6. On one side they will see one of the greatest footballers play for the final time.
On the other, they need to see how this team will go about in the coming years without Messi alongside them. The supporters feel quietly optimistic that a new Argentina will emerge after the match on Tuesday.
"There's a changing of the guard; maybe we have to play differently now, not thinking in terms of Messi and 10 others,' but rather as a unified team," supporter Cristian Versalles, 55, told the AP after watching the victory over Burkina Faso on Saturday.
His son, Ramiro, 23, added, "Given the number of players coming through, there's definitely a new generation ready to step up. Nico Paz is the heir apparent." Paz, playing out of Italian club Como, was one of the scorers.
Everything will come down to that one final moment of brilliance at the Monumental on Tuesday. Maybe it could be a freekick or that famous left foot shot.
Or maybe it could be just a few minutes of calmness and celebration. Either way, Argentina seems to be ready for the moment to say goodbye to one of the icons of the game.WHEN AND WHERE TO WATCH LIONEL MESSI'S LAST DANCE IN INDIA?
The match between Argentina and Benin will happen on Wednesday, October 7 in India at 4:30 am IST. Fans in India can watch the match on the Zee5 app.- Ends
