BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi has shared an emotional message ahead of his final appearance for Argentina, marking the end of one of the most celebrated international careers in football history.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to take the field one last time when Argentina face Benin on October 6 at the 84,000-capacity El Monumental, with the match set to serve as an official tribute to the Argentine icon.

Ahead of the farewell, Messi posted a poignant message on social media, writing: “One last match. A jersey for a lifetime.”

A newly released video also shows the 39-year-old replacing a standard Argentina shirt with a special Adidas jersey bearing his name and iconic No.10 in gold, before picking up a pair of white boots.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has included Messi in the squad for the farewell fixture, giving supporters one final opportunity to celebrate the captain who led the country to World Cup glory.

Messi announced his retirement from international football in August, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career that has seen him make 207 appearances for Argentina, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists.

Announcing his decision, Messi said stepping away from the national team had been painful, but that he believed the time had come.

He said he had always given his best for Argentina, not only during the years in which the team enjoyed major success, but throughout his entire international career.

The October 6 fixture is now set to become an emotional celebration of Messi’s legacy, as Argentina prepares to bid farewell to its legendary No.10.