Argentina has officially included Lionel Messi in their squad for an upcoming friendly against Benin, an occasion set to serve as the superstar’s farewell to international football. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Argentina’s most-capped player, will return to the pitch on 6 October at the 85,000-capacity Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires to receive a formal send-off.
The decision follows Messi’s announcement in August that he would retire from international duty. That announcement came in the wake of Argentina’s loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and occurred as the player navigated personal grief following the death of his father, Jorge. Reflecting on his departure from the national team, the 2022 World Cup-winning captain admitted the choice to step away hurt him deeply, though he felt he had given his all to the side, having recorded 125 goals in 207 career appearances for his country.
Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia highlighted the importance of the event, stating that the federation decided to invite the captain back to give him the farewell he truly deserves as a symbol of the national team. Tapia added that the match is expected to be an unforgettable occasion and noted that members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad have also been extended invitations to participate. The report also notes that who captained Argentina when they won the 2022 World Cup, said the decision to stop playing for La Albiceleste hurt him “deeply” but that he had “given it my all” and had “nothing left to give”, the 39-year-old.
