Messi set for final dance with Argentina against Benin Republic
Lionel Messi has been named in the Argentina squad to face Benin Republic in his farewell match for his country after he announced his retirement in August.
Messi ended his 21-year sojourn with the national team after leading the team to a second consecutive World Cup final in North America, which they lost to Spain.
Argentina FA president Claudio Tapia confirmed that the Benin Republic will be Messi’s final appearance for his country.
He said: “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 6 October here in Argentina.”
Tapia also invited all of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winners to join Messi for what he said would be an “unforgettable” occasion.
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The match against Benin will take place at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which can accommodate 85 000 spectators.
Argentina begin a series of three friendlies against Bolivia on 30 September in Cordoba, their first match since losing the World Cup final to Spain before taking on Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on 3 October.
Messi has been included in the squad for the third match against Benin, when he is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for the national team.
He is Argentina’s all-time record scorer with 125 goals.
Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), and the 2022 Finalissima for Argentina.
