'Of course I'll miss it': Inside Lionel Messi's final training session with Argentina

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, center, trains for his final match with the national team, an international friendly soccer match against Benin, with teammate Rodrigo De Paul, right, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello) The end of an era is near. Lionel Messi has completed his final training session with Argentina’s national team at the Ezeiza training complex, bringing an emotional moment into focus as the captain prepares to bid farewell to the famous blue and white stripes.Led by head coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi joined his teammates for a final tactical training ahead of Argentina’s scheduled international friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.However, for the 39-year-old striker, the session had a meaning far beyond tactics and preparation.As Messi walked off the field, he acknowledged the emotions associated with the occasion.“Special moments that I’m sure I’ll miss,” Messi said.After more than two decades at the Albiceleste, those words captured the weight of what was to come. The training ground, which has witnessed countless camps, preparations and celebrations, now provided the backdrop for Messi’s final session with Argentina.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi trains for his final match with the national team, an international friendly soccer match against Benin, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)

Soccer Soccer – International Friendly – Argentina Training – Ezeiza Training Complex, Buenos Aires, Argentina – October 5, 2026 Argentina’s Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Pedro Lazaro Fernandez

Soccer Soccer – International Friendly – Argentina Training – Ezeiza Training Complex, Buenos Aires, Argentina – October 5, 2026 Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez and Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Pedro Lazaro Fernandez

the last dance

Messi’s international journey began in August 2005 when he made his debut for Argentina against Hungary. Since then, he has transformed from a prodigious young talent into a defining figure of an entire generation.His Argentine career included two Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and most importantly the 2022 FIFA World Cup – a trophy that completed the biggest chapter of his international story.Now comes the farewell.Argentina will host Benin at the Estadio Monumental, where thousands inside the stadium and millions watching from afar are expected to celebrate the captain for the last time.Long-time teammates including Rodrigo De Paulo and Giovani Lo Celso will share the occasion, and members of Argentina’s golden generation are also expected to be in the stands.READ ALSO: Argentina vs Benin, Lionel Messi’s last match: When and where to watch live in IndiaMessi will eventually return to the United States and Inter Miami, but his place in Argentine soccer history is already certain.The torch once passed from Diego Maradona to Messi. Now, after one final appearance, the Messi era will give way to another generation.