Familiar faces: Messi's last game before Confederations Cup debut

On October 6, the era of Lionel Messi in the Argentine national team ends after more than 21 years, but the interest is already on the last eleven that stood before his international debut in August 2005. The question of how that team looked can be answered by the Confederations Cup against Brazil.

Debut in August 2005

In August 2005 Lionel Messi made his debut in the Confederations Cup against Brazil. The "Pulga" was sent off after less than a minute for an alleged foul – an unlucky start that immediately caused a stir. The photo by Christof Koepsel documents the moment Messi left the pitch.

Final in Frankfurt

The last match before Messi's debut was the final of the Confederations Cup, which was played in Germany at the Frankfurt Waldstadion. Argentina lost 1–4 to Brazil; Adriano scored twice, Kaká and Ronaldinho each once, while Pablo Aimar netted the consolation goal for the Albiceleste. This final marked the end of an era that began in Frankfurt.

In goal at the time was Germán Lux, for whom it was also the last of his only six caps for the Albiceleste. Lux was later replaced by backup goalkeeper Willy Caballero, whom Messi already knew from the 2018 World Cup.

The defence consisted of Fabricio Coloccini, Gabriel Heinze and Diego Placente. Heinze now works as a co‑coach alongside Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, while Placente oversees the Argentine youth national teams. In midfield played Juan Pablo Sorín, Javier Zanetti, Lucas Bernardi and Esteban Cambiasso – the latter remained active until 2011.

Up front was Juan Román Riquelme, who never fully integrated into the national team but celebrated great successes with Boca Juniors and is today the president of a top club. The striking duo comprised Luciano Figueroa and César Delgado, the latter was Aimar's provider.

On October 6 Messi will say goodbye in a friendly against Benin at the El Monumental, which holds almost 85,000 spectators. Despite its lack of sporting appeal, the stadium will be full to see the superstar one last time in the national kit.

The contrast between a brief, turbulent debut and a celebratory farewell match highlights how Messi's career has moved from an early setback to a glorious finale.