Lionel Messi is set to receive a farewell from Argentina during a friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires next month, following his announcement about retiring from international football.
In August, Messi disclosed his decision to step away from the national team after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
This was Messi’s third appearance in a World Cup final, having previously lost in 2014 before contributing to Argentina’s victory in 2022, where he also earned the Golden Ball award in both tournaments.
No player has contributed more goals in World Cup history (since 1966) than Messi, with an impressive tally of 33 (21 goals and 12 assists). He has also played the most matches in finals history, totaling 34.
Messi holds the record for the most assists in World Cup matches, leading by four over the iconic Diego Maradona, while only Kylian Mbappé has scored more goals than him, despite Messi being the first to break Miroslav Klose’s earlier record of 16 goals.
Following Messi’s retirement announcement, messages of appreciation flooded in from the football community, but he will take part in one final match for Argentina.
On Tuesday, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced a 28-man squad for home friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin, confirming that Messi, along with Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, will feature only in the game against Benin at Estadio Monumental on October 6.
The specifics of Messi’s role in the game remain unclear, but AFA president Claudio Tapia expressed that the match will serve as a tribute to the iconic player’s career.
Lionel Scaloni’s squad list for the upcoming friendlies pic.twitter.com/lAnthh9tnQ
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) September 15, 2026
“To all Argentina fans, I want to announce that after speaking with Lionel Scaloni, we decided to invite the world’s best player, our national team icon, our captain, Lionel Messi, for the farewell he deserves on October 6, here in Argentina,” Tapia said in a video message.
“Once Messi accepted the invitation, we also decided to invite all the 2022 World Cup champions who played alongside him in Qatar, so they can join him and their families in making this an unforgettable match.
“We encourage all Argentinians and national team supporters to witness ‘the last tango’ of the best player in the world.”
Before the Benin friendly, Argentina will take on Bolivia at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba on September 30, followed by a match against Burkina Faso at the Monumental on October 3.
Fan Take: This farewell match is a significant moment for soccer fans as it provides a chance to celebrate Messi’s extraordinary career and contributions to the sport. It also reflects the deep connection between players and their national teams, a bond that resonates powerfully in the world of soccer.
Source: www.soccernews.com
