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Messi Named to Argentina Squad for Final International Match
Confirmed
In Short: Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, has been included in Argentina's squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, marking his last international appearance.
The decision to include Messi in the squad was made by Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia, who stated, "We invited 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." This match will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which has an 85,000 capacity.
The friendly matches against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3 will serve as a means to serve the FIFA sanctions imposed on Argentina for breaches of the disciplinary code during the World Cup. These sanctions include playing their next two home matches with 50% capacity, although one match was suspended. The matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso will help Argentina comply with these sanctions before the final farewell match against Benin.
The inclusion of Messi in the squad is a testament to his enduring legacy and the respect he commands within the national team. His retirement from international duty marks the end of an era for Argentine football, and the match against Benin on October 6 will be a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.
What's confirmed
- The decision to include Messi in the squad was made by Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia, who stated, "We invited 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." This match will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which has an 85,000 capacity.
- The friendly matches against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3 will serve as a means to serve the FIFA sanctions imposed on Argentina for breaches of the disciplinary code during the World Cup. These sanctions include playing their next two home matches with 50% capacity, although one match was suspended. The matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso will help Argentina comply with these sanctions before the final farewell match against Benin.
- The inclusion of Messi in the squad is a testament to his enduring legacy and the respect he commands within the national team. His retirement from international duty marks the end of an era for Argentine football, and the match against Benin on October 6 will be a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.
What's still developing
- Messi announced his retirement from Argentina duty in August in the wake of his country's defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and after saying he was considering his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge.
- The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina when they won the 2022 World Cup, said the decision to stop playing for La Albiceleste hurt him "deeply" but that he had "given it my all" and had "nothing left to give".
- Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner who currently plays for Inter Miami, is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances.
- Argentina's 2022 World Cup winners have also been invited to the match, which Tapia said would be an "unforgettable" occasion.
- After defeating England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, several Argentina players held up a banner claiming Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory.
- Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes and team-mate Nahuel Molina are not expected to be available as they were given respective 10-game and seven-match suspensions for their part in on-field clashes following their country's defeat by Spain in the World Cup final.
- The team led by Lionel Scaloni will play three friendly matches during the international break starting next week, and Messi was included in the squad as Argentinian FA president Claudio Tapia announced on his social media, "We invited the best player in the world to play, the icon of our team, our captain Lionel Messi, to have a deserved farewell on October 6, here in Argentina." #SelecciónMayor Lista de convocados para los próximos amistosos 🇦🇷 📝 https://t.co/SqoaIewEQR pic.twitter.com/sS9iXric49 Alongside Messi, the 2022 world champions will also feature in the celebrations of the Argentinian icon.
- "Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will join the squad for the final friendly match on October 6th. The list of players called up from the domestic league will be announced on Friday", the statement said.