Messi back in Argentina side for final farewell against Benin

Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a farewell match set to mark the end of his international career, Punch reports.

The 39-year-old captain will feature against Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed on Tuesday. According to Punch, Tapia said the match would give Messi a deserved farewell before home fans, describing him as “the best player in the world.”

Messi announced his retirement from the national team on August 31, after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain ended their bid to retain the title. He leaves as one of Argentina’s most decorated players, having won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup.

The Benin clash caps three farewell friendlies, following matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, and will give Messi one last chance to wear the Argentina shirt on home soil.