Messi named in Argentina squad for farewell match
Lionel Messi has been called up to Argentina's squad for an October friendly against Benin, which will serve as his farewell to international football. The match takes place on 6 October at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental.
Argentina's football federation has included Lionel Messi in the national squad for an upcoming friendly against Benin in October, a game set to mark the veteran forward's farewell appearance for the national team. The match will be played on 6 October at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, a venue with an 85,000 capacity.
The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international duty in August, following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and after the death of his father, Jorge, prompted him to reconsider his future in the sport. At the time, Messi said the decision to stop playing for La Albiceleste had hurt him deeply, but that he had given the national team everything he had to give.
Messi, who now plays for Inter Miami in the United States, has won the Ballon d'Or eight times and captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. He remains the country's all-time top scorer and most-capped player, having netted 125 goals across 207 appearances.
Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia said the invitation was extended so that Messi could receive the send-off he truly deserves as the best player in the world and the symbol of the national team. Members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad have also been invited to attend, with Tapia describing the occasion as one that will be unforgettable.
