Lionel Messi is set for an emotional farewell with the Argentina national team as the world champions prepare to face Benin at Buenos Aires’ iconic Monumental Stadium on October 6.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was included in the Argentine Football Association’s 28-man squad for the team’s upcoming fixtures against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, despite announcing his retirement from international football on August 29.
Messi’s decision came after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain and the recent death of his father.
The match against Benin is expected to provide the backdrop for a special farewell for the 39-year-old forward, who has enjoyed an extraordinary international career.
AFA president Claudio Tapia said Messi deserves the farewell he has earned and has invited members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to take part in the celebrations.
Messi leaves behind a remarkable record with Argentina, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national team.
His greatest achievement came in 2022, when he led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, securing the major international title that had eluded him for much of his career.
The proposed farewell at the Monumental is expected to bring together Argentina supporters and members of the country’s football community to celebrate Messi’s contribution to the national team.
For Argentina, the occasion will mark a significant moment as the country prepares to bid farewell to a player who has been at the centre of its football story for more than two decades.
