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Messi Set for Argentina Farewell Match Against Benin
Lionel Messi has said he will stop playing for Argentina’s national soccer team.
Argentina has invited him to play one last game on October 6.
The opponent will be Benin.
The match will happen in Buenos Aires at the Estadio Monumental.
Messi has played for Argentina for about 20 years.
He helped the team win the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
If he plays, it will be his 208th game for Argentina.
He has scored more goals for Argentina than any other player.
Argentina also plans to play Bolivia and Burkina Faso before the farewell match.
Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a farewell friendly against Benin on October 6.
The match is scheduled at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which holds 85,000 spectators.
Messi announced his retirement from Argentina duty after a two-decade international career.
He is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina and is the team’s record scorer with 125 goals.
Argentina will also play Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3 in the October friendly window.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina, and Benin are the main parties involved; Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia announced the invitation.
- What
- Argentina has invited Messi to play what is expected to be his final international match in a friendly against Benin.
- Where
- River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- When
- October 6; Argentina’s other scheduled friendlies are on September 30 and October 3.
- Why
- The match is intended to give Messi the farewell he deserves after his announced retirement from Argentina duty.
Key facts
- Match
- Argentina vs Benin friendly
- Date
- October 6
- Venue
- Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Expected appearance
- Messi’s 208th and final Argentina appearance
- International goals
- 125, an Argentina record
- Career achievements
- 2022 World Cup winner; Copa America winner in 2021 and 2024
- Stadium capacity
- 85,000 spectators
Quotes
Claudio Tapia
President of the Argentina Football Association
“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 October 6 here in Argentina.”
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“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time”
wionews.com
Sources
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