Dhaka, Oct. 6 -- Lionel Messi is set to play his final match for Argentina on Tuesday, ending a 21-year international career that transformed his relationship with the country and left the national team facing an uncertain transition after the greatest period in its history.

The 39-year-old forward makes his 208th appearance for Argentina against Benin at River Plate's Estadio Monumental. He leaves as the country's record appearance holder and leading scorer, with 125 goals, after winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup.

Messi also led Argentina through this year's World Cup, where they reached the final before losing to Spain. He subsequently announced his international retirement on Aug. 31.

His departure close...