Lionel Messi Retirement: Argentina Calls Up Messi for Farewell Match Against Benin on October 6

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has included Messi in the squad for a farewell friendly against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The match will mark Messi’s final appearance for Argentina following his retirement from international football. FIFA and the AFA have confirmed that the 39-year-old forward will take part in the farewell fixture, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable international career.

AFA President Claudio Tapia Confirms Messi Farewell

AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed Messi’s farewell on social media, saying the association had invited the Argentina captain to receive the send-off he deserves.

Tapia confirmed that Messi accepted the invitation for the October 6 match. Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad members and their families have also been invited to be part of the special occasion.

Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are also confirmed to participate in the final friendly alongside Messi.

Messi Announced Argentina Retirement on August 31

Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, shortly after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

In his farewell message, Messi said the decision was painful but that he understood the time had come to close another chapter with the national team. He also reflected on his enduring love for the Argentina shirt and said he had given everything he could for the country.

His decision came after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final. Messi had played a major role in Argentina’s run to the final, scoring eight goals during the tournament.

Messi’s Final Argentina Match Will Be Against Benin

Argentina will face Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. It will be the third and final home friendly in the team’s upcoming international window.

Before the farewell match, Argentina are scheduled to face Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. Messi will not participate in those two matches and is set to return specifically for the Benin farewell.

The Benin fixture is expected to be Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina.

Messi’s Record for Argentina

Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and leaves the national team as its record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer.

He currently has 207 caps and 125 goals for Argentina. His international career has included six World Cup appearances, with the biggest achievement coming in Qatar in 2022, when he captained Argentina to their third World Cup title.

Messi also helped Argentina end a long wait for major international silverware. He was instrumental in the 2021 Copa América triumph and later helped the team retain the continental title in 2024.

From Heartbreak to World Cup Glory

Messi’s Argentina journey included years of disappointment before reaching its historic peak.

He suffered several major final defeats with Argentina before finally winning the Copa América in 2021. That triumph was followed by the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, where Messi lifted the biggest trophy in international football.

Argentina subsequently reached the 2026 World Cup final, but Spain defeated them 1-0 after extra time.

The October 6 farewell will therefore give Messi one final opportunity to appear in front of Argentina supporters at the Monumental while wearing the famous blue-and-white shirt.

A Historic Farewell at the Monumental

Messi’s final Argentina appearance is set to bring more than two decades of international football to an end.

The AFA has invited the members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families, adding another emotional element to the occasion. Messi is expected to make his final appearance against Benin before officially closing his international chapter.

For Argentina supporters, October 6 will be the final chance to see their iconic No. 10 represent the national team on home soil.