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Argentina's football federation is determined to make Lionel Messi's farewell appearance for the national side a moment worthy of his status as the greatest player the country has ever produced.
A special pre-match ceremony is planned, along with an emotional send-off designed to prolong the moment for as long as possible. For the occasion, Messi will don a brand new kit one final time.
The adidas ambassador offered a glimpse of the new strip alongside a special pair of boots, revealing a striking design featuring just three stripes — a single central white band flanked by the sky blue of the Albiceleste. Messi revealed only the back of the shirt, displaying his name in gold lettering alongside the No. 10, set against an embossed shadow of the sun from Argentina's national flag.
Supporters will have to wait until Tuesday, Oct. 6 to see Messi wearing the full kit, though the front of the shirt has already surfaced online. The sun's shadow appears there too, but notably, the adidas stripes have been swapped out for Messi's personal logo.
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Key Details of Lionel Messi's Final Argentina Match
Messi will sit out Argentina's opening two games of the international window. The World Cup runners-up face an unusual lineup of opponents for these autumn friendlies, kicking off against Bolivia on Wednesday, Sept. 30 — a deliberate tactical decision.
Argentina have never suffered a home defeat against these South American neighbors. Bolivia has managed to avoid losing on just three occasions when crossing the southern border and was heavily beaten during World Cup qualifying.
Lionel Scaloni, who may himself be approaching the end of his tenure, will then guide Argentina against Burkina Faso on Saturday, Oct. 3, ahead of the headline clash against Benin.
The modest West African nation makes for an unexpected final opponent for Messi. The team, long managed by German coach Gernot Rohr, has never qualified for a World Cup, yet did reach the round of 16 at this year's Africa Cup of Nations, pushing Mohamed Salah's Egypt all the way to extra time.
Every Lionel Messi Argentina Jersey
Messi has represented Argentina across 13 different international tournaments since his breakthrough at the 2006 World Cup. Each campaign brought a slightly updated kit design, though his farewell shirt will be the first to feature just three bold stripes running down the side. It may well be stained with tears before the night is over.
"It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core," he wrote last month. "But I understand that it's the right time. I swear that I always gave my all — not just in recent years when we won everything, but long before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football.
"There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, loved, and will always love being on the national team."