Messi to Play Farewell Match for Argentina Against Benin on Oct 6

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included Lionel Messi in the squad for an October 6 friendly against Benin, two weeks after the captain announced his international retirement. The match at River Plate's Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires will serve as a farewell tribute for the 2022 World Cup winner.

Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia confirmed Messi accepted the invitation to receive a proper send-off. Tapia also invited all members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend the ceremony alongside their families.

“We have decided to invite the best player in the world, the emblem of our national team, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, so he can have the farewell he truly deserves.”

Messi, 39, ends a 21-year international career as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances. He led the team to the 2022 World Cup title, the 2024 Copa America, and the 2022 Finalissima.

Benin, ranked 93rd by FIFA and never a World Cup participant, will be the opponent. The West African nation has a population of 14.8 million and an area roughly 24 times smaller than Argentina.

The friendly is the third of three matches for Argentina during the September-October FIFA window, following games against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3. Messi is expected to feature only in the final match.