Football

Lionel Messi’s retirement from international play has been a long time coming.

The Argentine supernova first announced his intention to step away after in June 2016, moments after La Albiceleste fell to Chile in the Copa America final. He reversed course two months later, saying he had business to finish with his beloved country.

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Argentines around the world have been rejoicing in the decade since. Messi picked up two Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup, capturing the competition’s Golden Ball in the process.

Now, it’s time for the real thing. The 39-year-old will take part in his final Argentina fixture on Tuesday, facing off with Benin at Estadio Monumental.

In a match fit for footballing royalty, Messi will be draped in new — and rather elegant — robes. Here’s what you need to know about the special jersey Messi and his teammates will wear when they take to the field on Tuesday night.

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Explaining Lionel Messi’s special final Argentina jersey

Argentina’s kit for Messi final match features numerous wrinkles. The bespoke offering, crafted by Adidas, features wide striping as compared to the slimmer pattern that has adorned most of the country’s jerseys during the Messi years. Cloaked within the blue-and-white design is sun-like regalia that dances on the front and back of the kit, inspired by the «Sol de Mayo» emblem that resides on the middle of the South American nation’s flag.

Argentina and adidas drop a special edition Leo Messi collection, which includes a jersey they will wear during the legend’s farewell game against Benin on October 6 🇦🇷🌟 https://t.co/xyzVQd3Hgb

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— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 25, 2026

Messi’s «M» logo replaces the Adidas logo in the attire. It is caked in a luminous gold, as is the diminutive playmaker’s iconic No. 10. Given Messi’s performances in La Albiceleste colors over the years, the hue seems appropriate.

A longtime Adidas athlete, Messi will complete the look with custom white-and-blue cleats. If Tuesday is, indeed, Messi’s coronation, than he is certainly dressed to impress.

The kit made its public debut — if you can call it that — when Adidas unveiled a 30-meter-long installation of the look in Rosario, Messi’s hometown. 

Rosario with a big Argentina jersey for Lionel Messi. 🇦🇷 https://t.co/qZVdYOv7Ty

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 5, 2026

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Where to buy Messi’s final Argentina jersey

Those hoping to get hands on Messi’s final Argentina kit can find it in a variety of outlets, including Fanatics, Dick’s Sporting Goods and JD Sports. The jersey is also available on Adidas’ official website, although its availability appears to be waning.

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