Lionel Messi is set to make one final appearance for Argentina after being named in the national squad for an October friendly against Benin. The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football last month.
The match is scheduled for October 6 at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia said the game would give Messi the farewell he deserves after two decades with the national team.
Messi has accepted the invitation and will join the squad for Argentina’s final friendly of October. Before facing Benin, the team will play Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3.
Tapia has also invited members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend the celebration with their families. The occasion will honour Messi’s career with the national team.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and has since become the country’s most-capped player and record goalscorer. He currently has 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina.
His international honours include Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. He also captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar.
The October 6 fixture will be Messi’s return to the Argentina shirt after his retirement announcement. It is expected to be his 208th and final appearance for the national team.
The farewell follows Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign, where the team lost the final to Spain. Messi’s appearance against Benin will bring his international career to its expected conclusion.
