Messi included in Argentina squad for farewell match against Benin

Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for the upcoming international window, despite recently announcing his retirement from international football.

Argentina will play three friendly matches during the window, against Bolivia on September 30, Burkina Faso on October 3 and Benin on October 6.

Messi is expected to feature in the final fixture against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The match is set to serve as Messi’s farewell appearance for the Argentina national team, following his decision to retire from international football.

Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed that Messi accepted the invitation to play the farewell match.

Tapia said the national team wanted to give its captain the opportunity to say goodbye to supporters on home soil.

The Benin friendly will be Messi’s first appearance for Argentina since the 2026 World Cup, where the team finished as runners-up.

The 39-year-old has won the World Cup, Copa América and several other major honours with Argentina during his international career.

Messi remains active at club level with Inter Miami despite his international retirement.

The Argentina squad will also feature several members of the team that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.