Lionel Messi is set to make one final appearance in the Argentina shirt after being named in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for a farewell friendly against Benin on October 6.
The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, but the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has accepted an invitation to bid farewell to the home fans at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
AFA president Claudio Tapia made the announcement in a video posted on social media, stating: “After a chat with the national team head coach, Lionel Scaloni, we have taken the decision to invite the best player in the world, emblem of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so he can have the farewell he truly deserves on October 6, here, in Argentina”.
Tapia added that the occasion would be “unforgettable” and invited “all Argentinians to watch the last tango of the best player in the world”.
Triple Friendly Window Confirmed
Argentina will play three home friendlies during the upcoming international window, their first matches since the World Cup final defeat. The series begins on September 30 when Argentina face Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba.
Scaloni’s side then return to Buenos Aires for two matches at the Estadio Monumental, hosting Burkina Faso on October 3 before the farewell fixture against Benin on October 6.
Messi, along with midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul, will join the squad specifically for the Benin match. The AFA has also extended invitations to all members of Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup squad and their families to attend the celebration.
A Career of Unmatched Achievement
Messi departs the international stage as Argentina’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances since his debut in 2005. His international career reached its pinnacle with the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, a victory that ended Argentina’s 36-year wait for football’s greatest prize.
He also led Argentina to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 Finalissima. His final tournament, the 2026 World Cup, saw him produce a remarkable campaign at age 39, scoring eight goals and providing four assists to finish as the tournament’s second-highest scorer.
Squad Blends Experience with Youth
Scaloni’s 28-man squad for the window reflects a transitional phase for the Albiceleste. Alongside Messi and established figures like Emiliano MartÃnez, Cristian Romero, and Lautaro MartÃnez, several young players have been called up.
Román Vega of Zenit receives his first senior call-up, while MatÃas Soulé, Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni, and Santiago Castro return to the fold. The squad also sees the return of Leonardo Balerdi and AgustÃn Giay, both of whom narrowly missed the World Cup squad.
Argentina will be without suspended players Leandro Paredes (10 matches), Nahuel Molina (7), and Thiago Almada (1) due to FIFA sanctions arising from incidents during the World Cup final. The Bolivia match will also be played with a 50 percent reduced capacity as part of the sanctions.
For Messi, the October 6 fixture offers a final opportunity to receive the adoration of the Argentine public, ensuring that his last image in the national shirt will be one of celebration rather than the disappointment of a World Cup final defeat.
