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Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, a match expected to mark his final appearance for the national team after announcing his international retirement last month.
The 39-year-old forward brought an end to a remarkable two-decade career with Argentina, during which he won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 Copa America and the 2024 Copa America.
Messi’s final match will take place at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, a venue with a capacity of about 85,000 supporters.
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia said the fixture was organised to give the captain a fitting farewell.
“We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves on October 6 here in Argentina,” Tapia said.
The Argentine FA has also invited members of the country’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad to join Messi for what Tapia described as an “unforgettable” occasion.
Messi is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina, adding another milestone to a record-breaking international career. He remains the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 125 goals.
The farewell match comes after Messi announced his decision to retire from international football following years of success with the national team.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi said when confirming his decision.
His announcement followed the death of his father, Jorge Messi, after the football icon previously admitted he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play much longer.
Before facing Benin, Argentina will play Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. The friendlies will also serve as competitive fixtures for some players following FIFA disciplinary sanctions linked to incidents after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension, while defender Nahuel Molina was banned for seven games and Thiago Almada for one.
Argentina will also play the Benin match under a FIFA-ordered stadium capacity reduction after disciplinary breaches related to political demonstrations during a previous home fixture. The restriction means the Monumental will operate at 50 per cent capacity.
Messi’s international chapter will close with a legacy defined by trophies, records and a historic transformation from years of disappointment to global success with Argentina. His final appearance is expected to become a major celebration of one of football’s most decorated careers.
