Messi ready for final farewell

Lionel Messi will bring the curtain down on his glittering Argentina career on Wednesday with a farewell friendly against Benin, marking the dawn of a new era for the South American champions.
The 39-year-old is set to make his final appearance in the Albiceleste jersey at the Estadio Monumental, with 85,000 fans and several teammates from Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph expected to witness his farewell.
Messi leaves as Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 125 goals in 207 games, as well as a record 68 assists. His honours include a World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima. But Benin goalkeeper Marcel warned his side will not simply play a supporting role. “We are not here to be tourists in Argentina; we are here to play and to compete,” Marcel told Marca. “We can win, or draw, or they can win, but it is football.”
The goalkeeper said Messi's farewell makes the fixture extraordinary but insisted Benin's national pride comes first.
“We are here for Argentina and for Messi, but we must not forget that we represent our country too,” he said.
Asked whether he would deliberately allow Messi to score from a late penalty, Marcel was unequivocal. “No, no. I am a goalkeeper, and my job is to save the ball,” he said. “If Messi takes it, I will try to save it.” Marcel called Messi “one of football's legends” and said the chance to share the pitch with him would remain a career highlight.
Argentina's next generation has already shown promise, beating Bolivia 4-0 before thrashing Burkina Faso 7-0.
Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the captain's armband, while the future of Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt remains undecided.
“We won't give the number 10 to anyone until Leo's match takes place,” coach Lionel Scaloni declared.