Lionel Messi is set to receive a farewell from Argentina when the world champions face Benin in an international friendly in Buenos Aires on October 6.
The 39-year-old recently announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. However, he will make one final appearance for the Albiceleste at the Estadio Monumental.
Messi included in Argentina squad
Messi was initially named in Argentina’s 28-man squad for upcoming friendly matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) later clarified that Messi, along with Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, would only be involved in the Benin fixture.
The nature of Messi’s involvement in the match remains unclear, but AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed that the game will serve as a celebration of the legendary forward’s career.
“To all Argentina fans, I want to tell you that after a conversation with Lionel Scaloni, we have decided to invite the best player in the world, our national team emblem, our captain, Lionel Messi, so he can have the goodbye he truly deserves on October 6, here, in Argentina,” Tapia said.
Argentina prepare for Messi’s farewell
Tapia also revealed that Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad members who played alongside Messi in Qatar had been invited to attend the occasion with their families.
“At the same time, after Lionel accepted the invitation, we decided to invite all the 2022 World Cup winners that played with him in Qatar, so they can, with their families, join him in this match that will be unforgettable,” he added.
“We invite all Argentinians and national team fans to watch ‘the last tango’ of the best player in the world.”
Messi’s international career has included three World Cup finals. He finished as a runner-up in 2014 before leading Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022, winning the Golden Ball on both occasions.
Messi leaves historic World Cup record
The Inter Miami forward leaves behind a remarkable record at the World Cup.
Since records began in 1966, no player has directly contributed to more goals at the tournament than Messi, who has 33 goal contributions from 21 goals and 12 assists.
He also holds the record for most World Cup appearances, having featured in 34 matches, while his 12 assists are the most in the competition.
Only Kylian Mbappe, with 22 goals, has scored more World Cup goals, although Messi was the first player to surpass Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16.
Before Messi’s farewell against Benin, Argentina will face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso at the Monumental on October 3.
