Lionel Messi's Final Argentine Farewell Match Announced

Lionel Messi will play a final game for Argentina in a friendly match, marking the end of his international career. Initially announcing his retirement from the national team on August 31st, Messi has been called up by coach Lionel Scaloni for upcoming friendlies. The team will face Bolivia on September 30th, followed by matches against Burkina Faso on October 3rd and Benin on October 6th. The octuple Ballon d'Or winner is expected to feature in the final match against Benin, a game being framed as his testimonial.

After two decades representing Argentina, including victories in the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Copa America, Messi, at 39 years old, declared his departure from the national team. This decision followed the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain and the passing of his father and agent, Jorge Messi. He stated, "Time has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to all of you that I am retiring from the national team. It's a decision (...) that still hurts deeply, but I understand it's time," the octuple Ballon d'Or, who scored 125 goals for Albiceleste, had explained.

The upcoming international break was anticipated to usher in the post-Messi era for Argentina. However, Lionel Scaloni has opted to select his captain for one last appearance. The Inter Miami forward is included in the squad for three friendly matches for the three-time world champions: against Bolivia (September 30th), Burkina Faso (October 3rd), and Benin (October 6th).

A Final Waltz at the Monumental

All three of Argentina's matches will take place in Argentina. The game against Bolivia will be held at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, while the encounters with the two African nations will be played at River Plate's Monumental stadium. According to Argentine press reports, the match against Benin will be Messi's absolute final appearance in the national team jersey. "Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will join the group for the final friendly match on October 6th," an AFA statement confirmed.

Messi's relationship with the national team has seen many chapters. He previously announced his international retirement in 2016 after a third Copa America final loss, only to reverse his decision a few weeks later. The player, nicknamed 'La Pulga' (The Flea), has expressed that he doesn't see himself playing "much longer" following his father's death. Messi is currently under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season.