▲ Lionel Messi
The farewell match for "football god" Lionel Messi (39) with the Argentina national team has been finalized.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced its national team squad on the 15th for an upcoming friendly match against Benin scheduled for October 6 (local time), including Messi's name in the lineup.
With this announcement, Messi's national team farewell match has been officially confirmed.
Messi previously announced his retirement from international football on August 31 via social media, stating, "It is a painful decision, but I know very well that now is the time to leave."
AFA President Claudio Tapia said, "We decided to invite Lionel Andrés Messi—the world's best player, the symbol of our national team, and our captain—so that he can have a moment of farewell right here in Argentina on October 6."
The AFA has also invited all members of the 2022 Qatar World Cup-winning squad to join Messi for the occasion.
Making his senior national team debut in 2005, Messi leaves behind a monumental record of 125 goals in 207 appearances wearing the Argentina jersey.
He holds the record for the most goals and appearances in the history of the Argentina national team.
Having achieved one World Cup victory (2022) and two runner-up finishes (2014 and 2026), along with a record eight Ballon d'Or awards, he is widely regarded as having surpassed Argentine football legend Diego Maradona.
Led by Messi, Argentina had to settle for a runner-up finish at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
Following the passing of his father last month, Messi expressed emotional distress and announced his retirement from the national team.
Messi's current contract with his club Inter Miami (USA) runs until 2028.
Argentina will kick off a series of three matches starting with a clash against Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30.
They will face Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3, followed by Messi's farewell match against Benin at the same location on October 6.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.