Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for a farewell appearance against Benin on October 6, following his decision to retire from international football, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed.
AFA President Claudio Tapia said Messi had been invited to take part in a farewell match at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, describing the fixture as an opportunity for the Argentina captain to receive a send-off in front of home supporters.
Argentina will play three home friendlies during the September 21 to October 6 FIFA international window, marking their first matches since the World Cup. The team will face Bolivia at Cordoba’s Mario Kempes Stadium on September 30 before hosting Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3.
Lionel Scaloni’s squad list for the upcoming friendlies 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/lAnthh9tnQ
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) September 15, 2026
The final fixture against Benin will take place at the Monumental Stadium on October 6, with Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso set to feature on the occasion. The AFA said that players selected from the domestic league will be announced later.
The match against Bolivia will be played at 50 percent reduced capacity as part of FIFA sanctions connected to incidents during this year’s World Cup.
Argentina’s squad includes goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and defenders Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico. The midfield features Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolas Paz and Franco Mastantuono.
The forwards named in the squad are Matias Soule, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Gonzalez, Gianluca Prestianni, Jose Manuel Lopez, Santiago Castro, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and Messi.
Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada are serving suspensions of 10, seven and one match, respectively, following their roles in an altercation after Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain.
Messi’s appearance against Benin will give Argentina supporters a chance to see their captain in national colours once more, as the team begins a new phase following his decision to retire from international football.
ALSO READ | Einride, Lidl launch autonomous truck on German roads
