Messi set for Argentina farewell against Benin
Argentina have named Lionel Messi in their squad for a friendly against Benin on 6 October, which will be his final international appearance. The 39-year-old retired from national duty in August after the World Cup final loss to Spain. The match will take place at River Plate's Estadio Monumental, with Argentina's 2022 World Cup winners also invited.
The farewell fixture will take place at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, a venue with an 85,000-seat capacity. Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad members have been invited to attend the occasion, which federation president Claudio Tapia described as a fitting tribute to the nation's most decorated player.
Messi's international career spans 207 appearances and 125 goals, making him Argentina's record scorer and most-capped player. His retirement follows Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, with the forward citing the recent death of his father as a factor in his decision. The match against Benin comes after Argentina serve capacity restrictions imposed for disciplinary breaches during the tournament.
This farewell match could resonate deeply with Argentine football fans, offering a ceremonial close to a career that defined an era of national football. The event may also serve as a unifying moment for a country still processing the World Cup final loss, while drawing global attention to Benin, a lesser-known opponent. Commercially, the occasion could boost ticket sales and broadcast interest, though its lasting significance will likely be emotional rather than competitive.