Lionel Messi Named in Argentina Squad for Expected International Farewell Against Benin

The Argentina captain is set to make his final appearance for the national team on October 6, following a legendary international career that includes World Cup and Copa América triumphs.

Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, with the match expected to serve as his farewell appearance for the national team.

The fixture, scheduled to take place at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, is set to honour one of the most decorated players in international football. The stadium can accommodate approximately 85,000 spectators, setting the stage for a major occasion for Argentine football fans.

Messi, who announced his international retirement in August, is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina.

A Legendary International Career

The 39-year-old forward leaves behind a two-decade international career highlighted by some of the most significant achievements in Argentine football.

His honours with the national team include:

1. The 2021 Copa América title.
2. The 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
3. The 2024 Copa América title.

Messi is also Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 125 international goals.

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed the plans to honour the captain, describing him as a symbol of the national team.

"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 October 6 here in Argentina," Tapia said.

World Cup Winners Invited to Join Messi

Tapia has also invited members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad to participate in the farewell celebrations.

The occasion is expected to bring together several of the players who shared Argentina’s historic triumph in Qatar, creating an opportunity to celebrate the team’s achievements alongside its captain.

Argentina’s Upcoming Friendly Schedule

Before the planned farewell against Benin, Argentina will play two other international friendlies.

The matches will form part of Argentina’s international programme following its reported defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.

Messi’s Future Beyond International Football

Messi’s decision to retire from international duty follows a remarkable period of success with Argentina. However, his club career is set to continue, with his contract at Major League Soccer side Inter Miami running until the end of the 2028 season.

The announcement of his international retirement came after a difficult personal period, including the death of his father, Jorge, last month. Messi had previously expressed serious doubts about continuing to play football for much longer.

"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time," Messi said when announcing his retirement from Argentina duty.

FIFA Sanction Adds Complexity to Farewell Plans

The planned farewell also comes amid disciplinary developments involving Argentina.

FIFA reportedly ordered the national team to play its next home match at 50 percent capacity following breaches of its disciplinary code related to demonstrations of a non-sporting nature.

The sanction followed an incident after Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in July, when several players displayed a banner reading, "The Falklands are Argentine".

The upcoming friendlies are also expected to count towards suspensions imposed following incidents after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban, while defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches and Thiago Almada for one.

With Messi named in the squad for the Benin fixture, attention now turns to October 6, when Argentina is expected to celebrate the international career of its record goalscorer and captain.