Di Maria to be present at Messi's farewell match

Photo: Collected

​Lionel Messi will bid farewell to the Argentina national team in front of his home fans next Tuesday, October 6, in a friendly match against Benin. The match will take place at the Monumental Stadium.

​Former Argentina star Ángel Di María will be present at the stadium as a spectator for this special event. He confirmed his attendance at this highly anticipated farewell match.

​Di María spoke in the mixed zone after Rosario Central's crucial victory over Argentinos Juniors in the Clausura tournament. There, he revealed his plan to stay in Buenos Aires following Racing Club's match against Banfield on October 5.

​Di María said, "I have to go to the stadium, don't I? I have to go and see it. We play against Banfield on the 5th, so I'll probably just stay there. It's on my way, I'll be there."

​The former Argentine winger also spoke about the significance of Messi's retirement from international football. In his view, a major shift lies ahead for the national team without their captain.

​He said, "A team without Leo after all these years! It will be tough, won't it? Especially after everything he has given to Argentina, and to the whole world. We will enjoy that final day."

​Messi will only play in the match against Benin during Argentina's three-match series. Several of his longtime teammates, including Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolás Otamendi, and Giovani Lo Celso, are also expected to join the occasion.

​Additionally, other members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad have been invited to watch the match from the stands along with their families.