Neymar has paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine announced his retirement from the national team. In an Instagram post, the Brazilian superstar wrote, "The football world thanks you for everything. Together we made history," as reported by LiveMint. Messi, who will feature in his last match for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, will make his 208th appearance for the national team, extending his record as Argentina's most-capped player and record goalscorer.

The match, according to LiveMint, will be Argentina's first since Messi announced on August 31, 2026, that he had "nothing more to give" to the national team. Despite his decision, coach Lionel Scaloni has since said that Messi can return to the national team if he wants to.

Messi is continuing his club career with Inter Miami, with whom he has a contract until the end of the 2028 season. The Argentine has also expressed his desire to remain involved in football management, saying he would prefer to become an owner rather than a coach. Messi purchased UE Cornella in April and CD Eldense on October 1, 2026, with the deal still pending authorization from the Spanish sports council.

Messi's first message as owner of Eldense was "Aupa Deportivo," following a victory over UD Almería in a Spanish LaLiga match, as LiveMint reports. Messi's past with the national team was marked by several final losses before winning the World Cup in 2022. His previous retirement announcement in 2016, following a Copa América final loss, was short-lived as he returned to the national team shortly after due to public support.

Messi's farewell match against Benin is expected to be a celebration of his achievements with the national team.

Fonti