Argentina names Lionel Messi for October farewell friendly against Benin

Farewell fixture in Buenos Aires

The Argentine Football Association confirmed on Tuesday that Lionel Messi will return for a farewell appearance with the national team on October 6. The 39-year-old forward will take the pitch at the 85,000-capacity Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires against Benin. The fixture concludes a three-match friendly window scheduled between September 21 and October 6, representing Argentina's first matches since their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on July 19. AFA president Claudio Tapia announced that members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup squad have received invitations to attend the match alongside their families. Tapia spoke about the decision following consultations with head coach Lionel Scaloni.

After a talk we had with national team coach Lionel Scaloni, 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 6 October here in Argentina.

Upcoming friendly schedule and FIFA bans

Argentina's match schedule begins on September 30 against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba. That match will take place with stadium capacity reduced by 50% under FIFA sanctions related to incidents during the recent World Cup. The team will then travel to Buenos Aires to host Burkina Faso on October 3 before facing Benin three days later.

Argentina announced a 28-player preliminary squad for the window, with domestic league selections scheduled for release on Friday. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will attend specifically for the October 6 match. However, the Albiceleste will be without several squad regulars due to disciplinary suspensions imposed by FIFA after a scuffle following the final against Spain. Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban, Nahuel Molina was issued a seven-match ban, and Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension.

End of an international career and coaching future

Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, ending a tenure with Argentina that produced 125 goals in 207 appearances. The Inter Miami forward explained his decision after taking time to assess his playing future following the death of his father and representative, Jorge Messi, in early August. Over his international career, Messi won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup.

Following Lionel's acceptance, we want to invite all the world champions who participated with him in the 2022 Qatar World Cup so that, with their families, they can join him in a match that will be unforgettable.

The upcoming window may also mark the final matches for coach Lionel Scaloni. Scaloni, whose current contract with the Argentine Football Association expires in December, indicated after the World Cup final that he is considering stepping down from his post.