Lionel Messi is set to wear the famous albiceleste jersey one last time. The 39-year-old captain has been included in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, serving as his official farewell match following his announcement of international retirement last month.
The fixture will take place at River Plate’s 85,000-capacity Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia confirmed the special call-up, revealing that all members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad have been invited to join Messi for the send-off.
“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.
Messi’s decision to step back from international football followed a two-decade career at the top level, crowned by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup alongside back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. The decision came after the passing of his father, Jorge, which Messi cited as a pivotal moment in recognizing it was the right time to step away.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi previously stated regarding his retirement. While his international career reaches its end, he remains under contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 season.
Messi leaves the national side as Argentina’s all-time record appearance holder and top goalscorer with 125 goals. When he steps onto the pitch against Benin, he is expected to earn his 208th and final cap.
The friendly against Benin is the final fixture in a three-match home series for Argentina, which serves as their return to action following their World Cup final defeat to Spain. The series kicks off against Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30, followed by a match against Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3, before concluding with the Benin fixture on October 6.
The upcoming fixtures will also serve as the backdrop for domestic stadium sanctions and player suspensions. FIFA previously ordered Argentina to operate their next home fixture under a 50% reduced stadium capacity due to non-sporting demonstrations held during the World Cup, when players displayed a banner reading *”The Falklands are Argentine”* following their semi-final win over England.
Additionally, disciplinary bans stemming from the World Cup final will begin serving during these friendlies, including a 10-match ban for Leandro Paredes, a 7-match ban for Nahuel Molina, and a 1-match suspension for Thiago Almada.
