Messi joins Argentina's camp, and Benin's troubled build-up to the farewell

Lionel Messi reported to Argentina's training complex at Ezeiza on Sunday and joined the squad for the last time, two days before the friendly against Benin that will end his international career. 12

The federation published photographs of the captain stepping out of a black van at the Predio Lionel Andrés Messi, the complex that carries his name, with the message "¡Bienvenido, Capitán! La emoción es total" — welcome, captain; the emotion is total. 3

Tuesday's match at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires will be Messi's 208th cap and the close of a 21-year international career. 34 He has scored 125 goals for Argentina, more than anyone else. 5 Kick-off is 20:00 in Buenos Aires, 07:00 on Wednesday in Shanghai, and the ground is sold out. 3 The last time Messi played at home for Argentina was on March 31, in a 5-0 win over Zambia at La Bombonera, and he scored in it. 3

Argentina's federation scheduled a closed session for Sunday evening and one final session for Monday evening, with the time still to be confirmed. 1

His teammates had been waiting for him. "We're looking forward to it, we've missed him a lot," the Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernández said after Saturday's win over Burkina Faso. "We're going to share an asado, so we'll enjoy these days with him — he deserves it a lot. Let it be a great farewell." 6

Three more players reported on Sunday: Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolás Otamendi and Giovani Lo Celso, all called up for the Benin match only. Leandro Paredes was due to join the group for dinner and no more, because a ban keeps him out of the game. 3 Messi and Scaloni are both expected to speak to the media in the build-up. 2

Benin's squad has been in Argentina for several days, but the journey was punishing. Foot Mercato and TN, both citing the African outlet Mega Sports Media, reported a trip of more than 23 hours in economy class, no hot water on one floor of the hotel, a sauna out of service and a gym the outlet called limited for a professional side — two exercise bikes and two treadmills — with training on an artificial pitch. Benin's video analyst lost consciousness on the way. 78

Three players, Junior Olaitan, Charlemagne Azongnitodé and Saïd Ngobi, could not board and were due to arrive on Monday. 8

A second report from the same outlet said the AFA had fixed the problems: hot water working on the fourth floor, the equipment delivered, the players recovered and training going ahead as planned. 8

The week's travel trouble has not been one-sided. Burkina Faso, 62nd in the world, reached Buenos Aires about five hours before Saturday's game after their charter from Morocco was cancelled. 4 Benin are 93rd. 4 Asked whether Argentina would seek stronger opponents in November, Scaloni said the choice was not really his. "These are the ones available. We're considering the teams that are free. There aren't many," he said. 4

On the farewell itself: "It's going to be an unforgettable day for everyone," Scaloni said. "I'm grateful to be part of that, because it's going to be his day." 4