Messi Named in Argentina Squad for Expected International Farewell

Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin in October, in what is expected to be the legendary forward’s farewell appearance for the national team.

Messi, 39, announced his retirement from international football in August following Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He had also been reflecting on his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge.

The Inter Miami forward, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, previously said the decision to step away from the national team had affected him deeply. He also said he had given everything for Argentina and felt he had nothing more to give.

Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is widely regarded as one of the most decorated players in international football.

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed that Messi had been invited to take part in the farewell event.

“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 friendly against Benin will be played at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which has a capacity of about 85,000 spectators.

Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad has also been invited to the occasion, with Tapia describing the planned farewell as an “unforgettable” event.