The stage is set for Lionel Messi’s final appearance in an Argentina jersey. Despite his decision to retire from international football, the legendary forward will make one last curtain call for his nation. Coach Lionel Scaloni has included the 39-year-old icon in the squad for the friendly against Benin, scheduled for October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed that the match will serve as a grand farewell tribute to the star.
AFA President Claudio Tapia emphasized the importance of giving the national team captain and enduring symbol of Argentine football a proper send-off in front of his home supporters. Tapia confirmed that a special ceremony is planned for October 6 to honor Messi’s two-decade-long international career. Furthermore, all members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, along with their families, have been invited to participate in the celebrations.
Messi announced his retirement from international duties last August, reflecting on a decorated career where he gave his absolute best to the national shirt. This farewell match concludes a busy international window for the world champions, who are also slated to face Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3. In addition to Messi, key teammates including Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have been named in the squad for the Benin encounter.
Barring any unforeseen changes, October 6 will mark the official end of Messi’s international journey. Playing on home soil before his compatriots, the event provides a fitting conclusion to a historic two-decade tenure that redefined Argentine football.
