• Source:JND

Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for their friendly against Benin on October 6. The match is expected to be his farewell appearance for the national team after he announced his retirement from international football last month.

The 39-year-old is set to bring an end to a remarkable international career that has lasted more than two decades. Messi has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and three Copa America titles with Argentina, in 2021, 2024 and previously.

Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia said the decision was made to give Messi the farewell he deserves in front of his home fans.

“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 said.

Why will the Benin game be special for Messi?

The match against Benin will be played at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which can hold around 85,000 spectators.

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Tapia has also invited members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad to be part of the occasion, which is expected to be an emotional night for Messi and the fans.

Messi is set to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina if he takes the field. He is already the country’s all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals.

How did Messi’s Argentina career come to an end?

Messi announced his decision to step away from Argentina duty in August after a career that saw him become the most decorated player in the country’s history.

His international journey included several major successes, most notably the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.

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The announcement came after the death of his father, Jorge, last month. Messi had earlier admitted that he had serious doubts about continuing to play football for much longer.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi had said while announcing his retirement from Argentina duty.

What is next for Argentina before Messi’s farewell?

Argentina are scheduled to play three friendlies during the upcoming international window.

They will first face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 before meeting Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. Their final game of the series will then be against Benin on October 6.

The Bolivia match will be Argentina’s first outing since their World Cup final defeat to Spain.

What about Messi’s future at club level?

Although Messi is stepping away from Argentina duty, his club career with Inter Miami is set to continue.

The Argentine forward has a contract with the Major League Soccer club until the end of the 2028 season.

Why will Argentina have restrictions for the upcoming games?

Argentina’s home fixtures will also come with disciplinary restrictions. FIFA recently ordered the team to play its next home match at 50 per cent capacity after breaches of its disciplinary code linked to demonstrations considered unrelated to sporting activity.

The decision followed an incident during Argentina’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England in July, when several players displayed a banner carrying the message: “The Falklands are Argentine.”

The upcoming friendlies are also expected to have an impact on players serving suspensions following incidents after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes has received a 10-match suspension, while defender Nahuel Molina has been banned for seven matches. Thiago Almada has received a one-match suspension.


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