Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Scaloni Pushes for Messi Farewell in Argentina Friendly
Lionel Messi has announced that he is retiring from playing for Argentina.
Coach Lionel Scaloni wants him to have one last match with the national team.
That match is planned against Benin on October 6.
It will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Scaloni said Messi should be able to say goodbye to his fans in his own way.
He helped make the match happen because he was not sure he would still be Argentina’s coach later.
Scaloni said the farewell will be emotional and special.
Messi was still included in Argentina’s squad despite announcing his retirement.
Scaloni’s own future as coach will be discussed after his contract ends in December.
Lionel Scaloni said he pushed to bring Lionel Messi back for a final Argentina appearance against Benin on October 6.
Messi announced his international retirement at age 39 after Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
Scaloni said Messi deserves to say goodbye to Argentina supporters on his own terms at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
Scaloni’s contract expires in December, and he plans to discuss his future with Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia.
Argentina’s friendly schedule also includes Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina national team, and Benin.
- What
- Scaloni arranged for Messi to make a final Argentina appearance in a friendly and say goodbye to supporters.
- When
- The farewell match is scheduled for October 6; Messi announced his international retirement in August at age 39.
- Where
- River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- Scaloni wanted Messi to have a farewell in front of his supporters and was uncertain whether he would remain coach long enough to arrange one later.
- Farewell opponent
- Benin
- Farewell date
- October 6
- Venue
- River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Venue capacity
- 85,000 spectators
- Messi’s age at retirement announcement
- 39
- Scaloni’s contract
- Due to expire in December
- Other scheduled friendlies
- Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3
- Messi’s Ballon d’Or record
- Eight-time winner
