Messi Set for Argentina Farewell as He Is Named in Squad for October Friendly

Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina when the World Cup holders face Benin in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on October 6.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has included Messi in the squad for the farewell fixture, alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso. The remaining players selected from the domestic league will be announced later.

AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed Messi’s participation, describing the match as an occasion to honour the Argentina captain and one of the greatest players in the history of the national team.

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year career with Argentina. During that period, he helped the national team win the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa America titles.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. He made his senior international debut in 2005 at the age of 18.

Messi came close to World Cup glory in 2014, when Argentina finished runners-up in Brazil. Eight years later, he finally lifted the trophy in Qatar after Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final.

His international career has also included two Copa America triumphs and numerous individual records. His final World Cup campaign ended with Argentina losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the decider, with Messi having contributed eight goals and four assists during the tournament.

Argentina’s upcoming international programme includes three friendlies, with the team scheduled to face Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30, Burkina Faso at River Plate’s stadium on October 3 and Benin at the same venue on October 6.

The Benin match is expected to be particularly significant, with the 85,000-capacity Estadio Monumental set to host Messi’s farewell. Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning players and their families have also been invited to the occasion.

Messi’s final Argentina appearance will bring an end to one of the longest and most decorated international careers in modern football, with his farewell taking place at the stadium where generations of Argentine supporters have celebrated the national team.