Lionel Messi has linked up with the Argentina national squad at Ezeiza ahead of Tuesday's monumental farewell friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is preparing to pull on the Albiceleste shirt for the final time, bringing the curtain down on an unmatched 21-year international career on his own terms.
Leonel Flores has reflected on an astonishing 24-hour spell that saw him score twice for Boca Juniors before turning out for Argentina the following evening. The 19-year-old winger brushed off concerns over physical fatigue following his second-half appearance against Burkina Faso, insisting he would gladly take to the pitch for another match if asked.
Lionel Scaloni has admitted that the Argentina national team will never be the same again as the legendary Lionel Messi prepares for his final appearance in the famous blue and white stripes. The World Cup-winning manager reflected on his captain's unique influence following a dominant friendly victory at El Monumental.
Franco Mastantuono has opened up about the significant pressure placed on his shoulders after netting his first senior international goal for Argentina. The Fiorentina midfielder, who is currently on loan from La Liga club Real Madrid, made a significant impact during a dominant 7-0 victory against Burkina Faso at the Estadio Monumental.
Emiliano Martinez has opened up on the "massive void" Lionel Messi will leave when he retires from international football. The Chelsea goalkeeper expressed his pride in helping the captain achieve World Cup glory while emphasising the need for the next generation to step up in his absence.
Burkina Faso were forced to field an emergency U23 squad against world champions Argentina following severe travel logistics chaos. The young side landed in Buenos Aires just five hours before kickoff before suffering a 7-0 defeat.
CA Cirbonero
