Emiliano Martinez is determined to give Lionel Messi an unforgettable Argentina farewell despite lingering World Cup final heartbreak.
Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina on October 6 when they play Benin. It’s set to be an emotional day for the Argentines’ including Martinez who spent years playing alongside Messi.
With tributes already flowing in, Martinez admits he assumed his captain had already brought down the curtain on his storied international career.
Lionel Messi shakes hands with Emiliano Martinez #23 after the 0-1 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match against Spain (Photo by Maja Hitij – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Discussing the farewell fixture before a passionate crowd in Buenos Aires via ESPN Argentina, Martinez revealed: “To be honest, I thought he had already retired… Having the chance to say goodbye here in Argentina is a dream for him, and we will try to make it a wonderful day for him.”
While Messi’s retirement from international duty calls for celebration, the 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain two months ago has not fully dissipated.
Acknowledging the persistent sting from that showpiece loss, Martinez confessed: “It’s nice to reach a final again, but unfortunately we couldn’t win it. That thorn will stick with me for a very long time.”
To properly honour Messi, the federation have formally invited the entire Qatar 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to take part in the historic occasion from the stands.
