A kit fit for the GOAT: Messi's special jersey for final Argentina match unveiled

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  Chris WrightSep 25, 2026, 06:00 AM ET

The eyes of the footballing world will be transfixed on the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Oct. 6 as the era of the GOAT comes to a close on the international stage in Argentina's capital.

That date will see the Albiceleste take on Benin in a friendly which serves as Lionel Messi's final match with the national team. This comes after the 39-year-old Inter Miami star announced his emotional decision to retire from international soccer back in late August.

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According to TNT Sports Argentina, all of the 85,000 tickets sold out within two hours after going on sale on Thursday, with grateful fans obviously desperate to give their idol and long-serving captain a fitting sendoff in front of a raucous, adoring home crowd.

With a grand farewell on the cards, it has also been revealed that Messi is to wear a special kit during the match to mark his phenomenal contribution to the cause over the past 21 years, winning two Copa América titles and one FIFA World Cup during a glorious three-year run between 2021-2024 along the way.

Messi himself first teased the bespoke design this week with a post on Instagram that included a short clip of him hanging up the jersey alongside the caption: "One last match. A jersey for a lifetime."

Adidas have since unveiled the finer details of the unique sky blue and white striped jersey. The design is obviously inspired by the Argentina flag and boasts regal gold detailing and an array of commemorative flourishes.

Taken directly from the flag, the symbolic "Sun of May" (which first appeared on Argentine coins in the early 1800s) is emblazoned across the front and back of the shirt, with Messi's own personal "M" emblem taking the place of the Adidas logo on the chest.

Messi's name and No. 10 are also applied in lustrous gold, with his name also appearing in a sun-shaped stamp on the back of the neck that sees his iconic squad number wreathed in laurel branches.

The lustrous detailing will also compliment the matching white and gold custom boots he is set to wear on the big night.

On what will be his 208th and final appearance for Argentina, Messi will have one last chance to add to his tally of 125 senior international goals. But, even if he doesn't, he'll look the part on what will be a special night for both him and the whole nation.