Lionel Messi named in Argentina squad for farewell friendly against Benin

Argentina have named Lionel Messi in their squad for a friendly against Benin in October, in a match that will serve as the forward's farewell to international football. The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, previously announced his retirement from international duty in August following the team's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia stated that the decision was made to ensure Messi receives the proper farewell he deserves in his home country. The match is scheduled for 6 October at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which boasts an 85,000-seat capacity. Organizers have extended invitations to the entire 2022 World Cup-winning squad to mark the occasion.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner currently playing for Inter Miami, is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having recorded 125 goals in 207 appearances. He noted that the decision to retire was deeply personal and difficult, stating that he felt he had given everything he had to the national team.

The match against Benin follows a period of disciplinary sanctions imposed by FIFA on the Argentine FA related to misconduct during the World Cup. These penalties, which included capacity restrictions, are expected to be served prior to the October fixture. While Messi is set to play, teammates Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina remain unavailable due to suspensions incurred following the World Cup final.