Brazilian playmaker Neymar Jr has heaped praise on World Cup winner Lionel Messi ahead of the latter’s farewell match in Argentina’s men’s game against the Republic of Benin at South America’s largest stadium, Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, on Tuesday.

Messi, who is the most-capped player in Argentine history, is hanging up his boots two-and-a-half months after losing the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. However, today, he will pull on Argentina’s sky-blue-and-white jersey for the last time in an emotional farewell in front of his fans.

Neymar, who played alongside Messi at FC Barcelona, where they won major club football trophies, including La Liga, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, among others.

The duo also played against each other in their national teams.

According to Fabrizio Romano on X on Tuesday, Neymar paid an emotional tribute to the former Barcelona captain.

Fabrizio quoted Neymar as saying, “Anyone who loves football has enjoyed you throughout all these years… Today is your final game wearing the shirt of your national team, your country, and I hope you enjoy every second of it and that all the tributes today make you happy.

“It’s not only Argentina that thanks you; the whole world thanks you for everything you’ve done for football. “Thank you for making me love football even more.

“It was an honour to have played against you, and even more so to have made history alongside you. Thank you, Leo Messi.”

According to AFP, some 85,000 Argentina fans will be on hand to watch the 39-year-old idol perform his wizardry in a match that brings down the curtain on his 21-year international career.