Lionel Messi Named in Argentina Squad for Final International Farewell Against Benin

Lionel Messi is set to wear the Argentina shirt one final time after the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed his inclusion in the squad for a special farewell match against Benin.

The fixture is scheduled for October 6, 2026, at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. It will give Argentina supporters an opportunity to see their captain on home soil following his decision to step away from international football.

AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed that Messi accepted the invitation for the farewell appearance after discussions with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. Tapia described Messi as an emblem of the national team and said the captain deserved a proper send-off in front of Argentine supporters.

The AFA has also invited members of the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar to attend the occasion with their families. The association plans to make the match a major celebration of Messi’s international career.

The Benin fixture is expected to be Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina and will add to his record of 125 international goals, according to the information released alongside the squad announcement.

The match will form part of a three-game home window for Argentina and is expected to attract significant attention as fans gather to celebrate one of the defining figures in the country’s football history.

Messi’s international career has included Argentina’s 2021 Copa América triumph and the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar. His final home appearance will therefore provide supporters with a chance to celebrate his contribution to the national team in Buenos Aires.

The AFA’s decision to bring back the 2022 World Cup-winning group for the occasion is also expected to add to the emotional significance of the farewell, creating a reunion around the player who captained Argentina to its third World Cup title.