Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Messi Named for Argentina Farewell Friendly Against Benin on October 6
Lionel Messi has announced that he is retiring from 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 be held at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Argentina will also play Bolivia and Burkina Faso before then.
The country’s soccer president says Messi accepted the invitation.
However, some reports say Messi has not personally confirmed that he will play.
If he takes part, it is expected to be his 208th and final game for Argentina.
Lionel Messi was included in Argentina’s 28-man squad for three October home friendlies.
Argentina will play Bolivia on September 30, Burkina Faso on October 3, and Benin on October 6.
The Benin match at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental is intended as Messi’s farewell appearance.
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia said Messi accepted the invitation, although reports said Messi had not personally confirmed his participation.
Messi is Argentina’s record scorer with 125 goals and is expected to make his 208th and final national-team appearance.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina’s national team, Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia, coach Lionel Scaloni, and Benin.
- What
- Messi was named in Argentina’s squad for three friendlies, including an expected farewell match against Benin.
- When
- The friendlies are scheduled for September 30, October 3, and October 6; the farewell is planned for October 6.
- Where
- The Benin match will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires; the Bolivia match is scheduled for Córdoba.
- Why
- Argentina wants to give Messi a farewell after his announced retirement from international football.
Participation Accepted
Participation Not Personally Confirmed
Status of Messi’s appearance
Participation Accepted
Claudio Tapia said Messi accepted the invitation after discussions involving Lionel Scaloni, and Argentina presented the October 6 match as his farewell.
Participation Not Personally Confirmed
Reports said Messi had not personally confirmed whether he would join the team, so his appearance was not fully certain at the time of the squad announcement.
- Farewell match
- Argentina vs. Benin
- Date
- October 6
- Venue
- Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Other friendlies
- Argentina vs. Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3
- Expected appearance
- Messi’s 208th and final Argentina appearance
- International goals
- 125, an Argentina record
- Major titles
- 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024
Sources
Lionel Messi farewell: Argentina invites superstar to play final match on Oct 6
Lionel Messi Added To Argentina Squad For October 6 Farewell Game
Messi set to play in farewell match on October 6 in Argentina vs Benin friendly
Lionel Messi Set For Argentina Farewell in Benin Friendly
Lionel Messi called up one last dance with Argentina at home; poised to receive farewell upon international retirement
