Lionel Messi Named in Argentina Squad for Farewell Match Against Benin

Lionel Messi has officially been named in Argentina's national team squad for an upcoming farewell friendly match against Benin, scheduled to take place on October 6, 2026. The highly anticipated fixture will be hosted at River Plate's renowned Estadio Monumental located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, offering local supporters a final opportunity to witness the iconic captain represent his home country on familiar soil.

This special international appearance follows Lionel Messi's official announcement regarding his international retirement, which he made public in August after completing a legendary two-decade career representing the senior national squad. Throughout his extensive time wearing the Albiceleste colors, the forward cemented his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport before deciding to step away from international football.

Addressing the media regarding the upcoming event, Argentina's FA president Claudio Tapia shared the official reasoning behind the fixture. "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," Tapia stated in Buenos Aires.

At the club level, Lionel Messi currently maintains a contract with Inter Miami competing in Major League Soccer, with an agreement that runs continuously until the conclusion of the 2028 season. Despite his ongoing commitments in club football across the United States, this upcoming October fixture in Buenos Aires has been specially arranged to honor his unparalleled contributions to the nation's footballing history.