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Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, which is set to mark his farewell appearance for the national team following his decision to retire from international football.
The 39-year-old announced in August that he would end his two-decade international career with Argentina. His career includes the 2022 World Cup title and Copa America triumphs in 2021 and 2024.
“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 October 6 here in Argentina,” Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia said.
The match against Benin will be played at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Tapia has also invited all members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad to join Messi for the occasion.
Messi is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina. He is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals.
Argentina will first face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 before playing Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. The Bolivia match will be Argentina’s first since their World Cup final defeat by Spain.
The friendly against Benin will also come amid disciplinary measures imposed on Argentina. FIFA last month ordered the team to play its next home match at 50 per cent stadium capacity after a breach of its disciplinary code.
The sanction followed an incident during Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England in July, when several players displayed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands as Argentine territory.
The friendlies are also expected to count towards suspensions imposed after incidents following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match suspension, while defender Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and Thiago Almada for one.
