Messi's Final Appearance Confirmed
Lionel Messi will conclude his international career with a farewell friendly for Argentina against Benin on October 6 at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The Argentina Football Association announced the plans on September 15, confirming that the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward, who retired from national team duty last month following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, will feature only in the Benin match.
Details of the Occasion
Messi will be joined in the squad for that fixture by teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso. The AFA has invited all members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to attend the match, described by AFA president Claudio Tapia as an opportunity for Messi to receive the send-off he deserves.
Benin, ranked around 89th to 93rd by FIFA and making their first-ever senior meeting with Argentina, will provide the opposition in what has been dubbed a symbolic passing of the torch.
Broader Context
The fixture caps a series of friendlies for coach Lionel Scaloni's side, which also includes matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. Messi holds Argentina's records for appearances and goals with 207 caps and 125 goals prior to this final game.
