Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for the international friendly against Benin on October 6, a match expected to serve as his farewell appearance for the national team.
The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football in August after a two-decade career that saw him lead Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024.
Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia said Messi was invited to have the farewell he deserves at the 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,” Tapia said.
Messi is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina against Benin. He is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals.
Argentina will begin their three-match friendly schedule against Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 before facing Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3.
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Tapia has also invited members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad to join Messi for the farewell ceremony.
The Benin friendly will take place at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, where Messi is expected to receive a tribute marking the end of his international career.
