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Scaloni Says Messi Deserves Argentina Farewell On His Terms
Lionel Messi has decided to retire from playing for Argentina.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, wants Messi to have one last game with the national team.
That game will be against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6.
It will be played at River Plate’s large stadium.
Scaloni said Messi should be able to say goodbye in the way he chooses.
He also said the farewell will be emotional for everyone.
Messi was still selected for the match even though he announced his retirement.
Scaloni also believes Messi deserves another Ballon d’Or award.
Scaloni did not say whether he will remain Argentina’s coach after his contract ends.
Lionel Scaloni said Argentina’s October 6 friendly against Benin will let Lionel Messi say goodbye to supporters as he wishes.
Messi announced his international retirement in August at age 39 but was included in Argentina’s farewell-match squad.
Scaloni said he helped arrange Messi’s final appearance because he wants to attend the farewell and is uncertain about his own future.
The coach said Messi deserves another Ballon d’Or award if it recognizes the world’s best player.
Argentina will play Bolivia on September 30, Burkina Faso on October 3, and Benin on October 6 in a series of friendlies.
- Who
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi.
- What
- Scaloni said a friendly against Benin will give Messi a final chance to appear for Argentina and say goodbye to supporters.
- Where
- River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- When
- The farewell match is scheduled for October 6; Messi announced his international retirement at the end of August.
- Why
- Scaloni said he wanted Messi to have a farewell appearance in front of Argentina’s fans and to leave on his own terms.
Key facts
- Farewell opponent
- Benin
- Farewell date
- October 6
- Venue
- River Plate’s Estadio Monumental
- Venue capacity
- 85,000 spectators
- Messi’s age at retirement announcement
- 39
- Scaloni’s contract
- Due to expire at the end of the year
- Argentina’s 2026 World Cup result
- Runners-up to Spain
Quotes
Lionel Scaloni
Argentina head coach
“I did my bit because I want to be there for his farewell and, since I don't know if I'll still be here in the future, we did everything possible so he could take part in this match.”
deccanchronicle.com
“It will be hard not to cry that day, it's a privilege to be there”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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