Lionel Messi penned an emotional tribute to the people of Argentina as he prepares to represent the national team for one final time in Buenos Aires.

Messi confirmed in August that he would draw the curtain on his stellar international career, following Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in this summer's World Cup final. 

The 39-year-old will make his 208th cap in a friendly against Benin. No player in Argentina's history has represented their country more times than Messi. 

During his international career, which started in 2005, Messi has gone on to score 125 goals for Argentina, at least 69 more than second-placed Gabriel Batistuta. 

He led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, while he has also won two Copa Americas and the Finalissima in that time. 

Messi was included in a 28-man squad list published by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for home friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin during this international break, with it later confirmed Messi would only be present for the clash with Benin at Estadio Monumental. 

And ahead of his goodbye, Messi paid tribute to the Argentina supporters. 

"The moment has arrived. I leave in peace. I gave it my all. This shirt was my dream, my pride, and my life for years," Messi said.

"Thank you for loving me so much, thank you for your support. I will always carry you with me."

No player has directly contributed to more goals at the World Cup on record (since 1966) than Messi (33 – 21 goals and 12 assists), who has also featured in the most games at the finals (34) and most editions (six, level with Cristiano Ronaldo). 

Messi's 12 assists in the competition are also the most of any player, while only Kylian Mbappe (22) has netted more often, though the Inter Miami star was the first to surpass Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 this summer. 

But the post-Messi era has begun strongly, with Argentina beating Bolivia 4-0 and Burkina Faso 7-0 across their two friendlies so far.