Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina's squad for an October 6 friendly against Benin, which will serve as his 208th and final international match following his retirement announcement.
Lionel Messi was named in Argentina's squad on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, for an upcoming friendly against Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires, marking his final appearance for the national team.
The 39-year-old forward announced his retirement from international duty in August, concluding a two-decade career that included winning the 2022 World Cup alongside Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. The farewell fixture against Benin, taking place at River Plate's 85,000-capacity Estadio Monumental, is expected to be Messi's 208th cap. He finishes as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals.
Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia confirmed the invitation, stating, "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." Tapia has also invited all members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning team to join Messi for the occasion.
Reflecting on his decision following the death of his father Jorge last month, Messi said, "It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time." He had previously noted having "serious doubts" about continuing to play football for much longer. His contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs through the end of the 2028 season.
The game against Benin will cap a series of three friendlies for Argentina. The world champions begin against Bolivia on September 30 in Cordoba—their first match since losing the World Cup final to Spain—before facing Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3.
The fixtures come amid FIFA sanctions against the Argentine FA. FIFA ordered Argentina to reduce stadium capacity by 50 percent for their next home match after players held a banner reading "The Falklands are Argentine" following a 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in July. Furthermore, the friendlies will count toward bans handed down after the World Cup final, including a 10-match suspension for Leandro Paredes, a seven-game ban for Nahuel Molina, and a one-game suspension for Thiago Almada.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Sport. Photo courtesy The Hindu Sport.