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Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina ahead of his final appearance for the national team, arriving in Rosario with his family on Friday.
The 39-year-old captain is set to play his farewell match against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on October 6.
The friendly will mark the end of Messi’s international career after more than two decades with Argentina.
Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
He will make his 208th and final appearance for the national team against Benin. Messi is Argentina’s record scorer with 125 goals.
Argentina’s Football Association has invited members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend the farewell event.
The match is expected to draw a large crowd at the Monumental, which has a capacity of around 85,000.
Messi will not play in Argentina’s other friendlies during the international window, against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.
