Lionel Messi Set For Argentina Farewell As Superstar Makes Squad For Benin Clash

Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming friendly against Benin on October 6, with the fixture expected to serve as his final appearance for the national team.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Argentina captain announced his decision to retire from international football in August following the country’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Messi had also previously spoken about reconsidering his future with the national team following the death of his father, Jorge. The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, said the decision to step away had affected him deeply but maintained that he had given everything he could to the national team.

The Argentina Football Association president, Claudio Tapia, had earlier confirmed that Messi would receive a farewell appearance at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

“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 6 October here in Argentina,” Tapia said.

The Monumental, which has a capacity of approximately 85,000 spectators, is also expected to welcome members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad for what Tapia described as an unforgettable occasion.

Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national team. The Inter Miami forward has also won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.

Before the Benin friendly, Argentina are scheduled to face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. The fixtures are expected to complete the team’s two-match home sanction imposed following breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations during the 2026 World Cup.

The punishment was linked to incidents including discriminatory chants and gestures, team misconduct and the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations. Argentina were initially required to play their next two home matches at 50 percent capacity, although one of the fixtures was later suspended.

Meanwhile, Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina will miss the upcoming matches after receiving 10-game and seven-match suspensions respectively over their involvement in clashes following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Messi’s inclusion in the squad now sets the stage for an emotional farewell as the Argentine captain prepares to make what is expected to be his final appearance for the national team.