‘We’ll enjoy that last day’: Di Maria on Messi’s Argentina farewell match

Lionel Messi is set to bid farewell to the Argentina national team in front of his home supporters when the world champions face Benin in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, October 6.

The occasion will also see former Argentina star Angel Di Maria return to the stadium as a spectator after confirming that he will attend the highly anticipated farewell match.

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Speaking in the mixed zone following Rosario Central's important victory over Argentinos Juniors in the Clausura Tournament, Di Maria revealed that he plans to remain in Buenos Aires after Racing Club's fixture against Banfield on October 5.

"I have to go to the stadium, right? I have to go and see. We play Banfield on the 5th, so I'll probably stay there. It's on my way, I'll be there," Di María said.

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The former Argentina winger also reflected on the significance of Messi's departure from international football and admitted that the national team will face a major change without its captain.

"It's going to be difficult, isn't it? Having a team without Leo after so many years, after everything he gave to Argentina, to Argentinians, to the whole world. We'll enjoy that last day," Di María said.

The match against Benin will be the only fixture in Argentina's three-match series to feature Messi. Several of his long-time international teammates, including Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolas Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso, are also expected to join him for the occasion.

Other members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad have been invited to watch the match from the stands with their families.

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"We invited all the World Champions who participated with him in the Qatar World Cup of 2022, so that, with their families, they can accompany him in the match that will be unforgettable for all Argentinians," the AFA president said while confirming that Messi would have his farewell in front of Argentina's home supporters.

For Argentine football, the night at the Monumental is expected to be an emotional one, bringing together Messi, his former teammates and a generation that delivered the country's long-awaited World Cup triumph in Qatar.