Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Messi Arrives in Argentina for National Team Farewell
Lionel Messi has arrived in Argentina for a special game with the national team.
The match against Benin is planned for Tuesday in Buenos Aires.
It is meant to be his farewell appearance for Argentina.
Messi flew from Miami with his family and landed in Rosario, where he grew up.
Some of his teammates from Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team will join the celebration.
Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina cannot attend because their club, Roma, did not release them.
Messi announced his international retirement on August 31.
His international career lasted 21 years and included 125 goals.
Lionel Messi arrived in Argentina on Friday ahead of a farewell game with the national team.
Argentina is scheduled to play a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
Messi flew from Miami with his family and landed in his hometown of Rosario.
Several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team are expected to join the celebrations.
Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will miss the event after Roma declined to release them.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina’s national team and several members of its 2022 World Cup-winning squad.
- What
- Messi arrived in Argentina ahead of a planned farewell friendly against Benin.
- When
- Messi arrived Friday; the match is scheduled for Tuesday. He announced his international retirement on August 31.
- Where
- He landed in Rosario; the friendly is scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires.
- Why
- The Argentine Football Association said the match is intended to give Messi the home send-off he deserves.
- Scheduled match
- Argentina vs. Benin, a friendly in Buenos Aires on Tuesday
- Arrival
- Friday, in Rosario
- Journey
- Messi flew from Miami with his family on a private jet
- International career
- 21 years in Argentina’s national-team jersey
- International goals
- 125
- Unavailable players
- Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina; Roma declined to release them