Lionel Messi's Argentina farewell set for October 6 in Buenos Aires
Lionel Messi is slated to play his last match for the Argentina national team on October 6, facing Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. This fixture will serve as a farewell for the Argentine legend, who announced his international retirement earlier this month.
Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, has included Messi in the squad for three upcoming friendly matches during the international break, according to Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia. Tapia stated, "We invited the best player in the world to play, the icon of our team, our captain Lionel Messi, to have a deserved farewell on October 6, here in Argentina."
Messi's final appearance will be the culmination of three friendly matches. The 2022 world champions are also preparing for this significant event, with players like Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso joining the squad for the October 6 fixture. The full list of players from the domestic league was set to be announced on a subsequent Friday.
Upcoming friendly schedule for Argentina
The Albiceleste will first play Bolivia on September 30 at Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. This match will proceed with a 50% reduced stadium capacity in the stands due to FIFA sanctions related to an altercation involving Argentina players following a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Following the Bolivia match, Argentina will host Burkina Faso on October 3 in Buenos Aires, leading up to Messi's final international game. CBS Sports reports that Messi is also expected to feature for Inter Miami in the Campeones Cup final against Cruz Azul at Miami's Nu Stadium on Wednesday.
Messi's impact and legacy
This series of matches marks a pivotal moment for Argentine soccer, celebrating one of its most iconic figures. Messi's international career has spanned numerous tournaments, culminating in the 2022 World Cup triumph, and his departure will signify a new era for the national team. The emotional farewell is anticipated to be a major event in the global soccer calendar, underscoring his enduring legacy on the sport.
Reporting: CBS Sports