Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a special farewell match against Benin.
The game will take place on October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The match is expected to mark Messi’s final appearance for the Argentina national team.
Messi Returns for One Final Match
Messi recently announced his retirement from international football.
The 39-year-old has now been invited back for one final appearance in front of Argentina’s home fans.
Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed the decision.
Tapia said the national team wanted Messi to receive the farewell he deserves.
Messi is expected to play only in the match against Benin during this international window.
Argentina to Face Benin in Buenos Aires
The farewell match will be played at the famous Estadio Monumental.
Argentina will face Benin three days after another friendly against Burkina Faso.
The team will also play Bolivia on September 30 in Córdoba.
These matches will be Argentina’s first fixtures since the 2026 World Cup.
The meeting with Benin will therefore have special significance for Argentine supporters.
It will give fans an opportunity to see Messi wear the national shirt for what is expected to be the final time.
Messi’s International Career
Messi has spent more than two decades representing Argentina.
He became the country’s captain and later helped the team win several major international trophies.
His biggest achievement came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France in the final.
He also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer.
He has scored 125 international goals and is expected to make his 208th appearance against Benin.
A Different Ending for Messi
Messi’s international career has included both difficult moments and major victories.
He lost the 2014 World Cup final with Argentina.
The team also lost the Copa América finals in 2015 and 2016.
Those defeats were followed by a successful period.
Argentina won the 2021 Copa América before lifting the 2022 World Cup.
The team then won another Copa América title in 2024.
Messi’s final World Cup appearance came in 2026.
Argentina reached the final but lost 1–0 to Spain.
2022 World Cup Winners Invited
Argentina also plans to make the farewell a celebration of Messi’s international career.
Members of the 2022 World Cup-winning team have been invited to attend the occasion with their families.
Some players who are serving suspensions will not be available to play.
However, they are expected to be part of the wider farewell plans.
Messi’s Final Chapter With Argentina
For many years, Messi’s future with Argentina remained a major topic in football.
His decision to retire now brings that chapter of his career close to an end.
The October 6 match against Benin is expected to give him one final opportunity to play before his home supporters.
It will also allow Argentine fans to celebrate a player who has spent more than 20 years representing the country.
For now, Messi’s name is officially on the squad list.
The next step will be the farewell itself at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.