Lionel Messi will wear Argentina’s colors once again. Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia confirmed that the superstar has been called up for the friendly against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires — a match that will be dedicated entirely to the legendary captain and will serve as his official farewell from the national team.
Tapia said the decision was made after a conversation with national team coach Lionel Scaloni and after Messi himself accepted the invitation. “To Argentina’s fans, I want to say that after speaking with national team coach Lionel Scaloni, we decided to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team and our captain, so that he can receive the farewell he deserves here in Argentina,” he said.
But the celebration will not be limited to Messi. The association has also decided to invite all the Argentina players who won the 2022 World Cup with him in Qatar, along with their families, to take part in the event. “It will be an unforgettable match,” Tapia added.
Messi announced on August 31 that he had decided to retire from international soccer, bringing a historic chapter with the Albiceleste to a close. He leaves the national team as its all-time leader in appearances and goals, with 125 goals in 207 matches.
Messi's friends from the 2022 World Cup will also be there
(Photo: Getty Images)
“We invite all Argentinians and national team supporters to come and watch the ‘last dance’ of the best player in the world,” Tapia said.
Before the farewell match, Argentina will play two additional friendlies: against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3. Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, who were included in the squad, will join the national team specifically for the match against Benin.