Lionel Messi prepares for Argentina farewell against Benin in Buenos Aires

Argentina's return to action began without Lionel Messi. On September 30, the team beat Bolivia 4-0 in its first match since losing the World Cup final to Spain, according to L'Équipe.

The friendly at the Mario Kempes stadium in Córdoba opened a period that would end with a very different occasion: the national team captain's farewell. El Colombiano described the Bolivia match as Argentina's first friendly after the World Cup.

On October 2, Messi arrived in Argentina ahead of his farewell game, ESPN FC reported. Arab News identified Benin as the opponent and Buenos Aires as the host city for his final national team appearance.

Argentina played another friendly before that farewell. On October 3, it beat Burkina Faso 7-0 in Buenos Aires, according to ESPN FC.

That result came against an unusually assembled opponent. L'Équipe reported that Burkina Faso's squad had been changed at the last minute, consisted entirely of players under 23 and arrived late after travel difficulties.

By October 5, attention had turned firmly to Messi's departure. The Japan Times reported that the Benin match at the Monumental stadium would close an international career spanning more than two decades. CNN Brasil reported that tickets sold out in 90 minutes.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also addressed what comes after Messi. In coverage published October 5, ESPN FC reported that Scaloni was confident the team had a bright future beyond its most influential player of the past two decades.

The farewell is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The Hindu described it as the 39-year-old's final match for Argentina. The supplied coverage remains focused on preparations, rather than a completed match or result.

Demand has brought controversy alongside the celebrations. L'Équipe reported on October 6 that resale ticket prices reaching €900 were causing an outcry. Meanwhile, El Colombiano described the planned occasion as a celebration of gratitude for Argentina's captain.

The next development is the match itself and the farewell tribute at the Monumental. Telegraaf reported that the Benin game would be Messi's 208th and final international appearance.

Beyond the ceremony, Argentina's next phase will test Scaloni's confidence in a team without Messi. The two friendly wins provide an early set of results, but neither settles how the team will fare after its captain's departure.