Lisandro Martinez urges Argentina to honour Lionel Messi with historic farewell

The Manchester United centre-back arrived in Buenos Aires on Tuesday morning and joined Argentina's 37-player group for the latest international gathering.

The squad continues to feel the effects of their defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, but Martinez believes the focus must now shift towards celebrating Messi's international career.

Argentina are preparing a major tribute for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner at the Estadio Monumental, with the stadium sold out for the occasion. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has organised the event, which is being billed as a landmark evening in the capital.

The entire squad that lifted the 2022 World Cup has been formally invited to attend, while the families of those players will also be present.

Martinez acknowledged that the final loss remains difficult for the players, but encouraged his team-mates to look ahead and embrace the opportunity to honour their captain.

"A lot of pain, it's preferable not to dwell on it, but we also have to highlight the tremendous effort we put in throughout the entire tournament," Martinez said via ESPN Argentina.

"Without a doubt, we had a great World Cup, but it hurts all of us to have lost the final."

He added: "Now we are here, back in our home country, and we are going to enjoy it."

AFA president Claudio Tapia said: "To invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can receive the send-off he truly deserves." 

READ MORE: Milford prepared for more player exits following Sigomoshe move