Messi Likely to Join Argentina for Farewell Friendly on Oct. 6
Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina's 28-man squad for upcoming friendlies, including an Oct. 6 match against Benin that the federation plans as his farewell. The 39-year-old has not yet confirmed his participation, but AFA president Claudio Tapia said Messi accepted the invitation. Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and retired from international duty after the 2026 World Cup.
The Argentine Football Association has scheduled three home friendlies, beginning with Bolivia in Córdoba on Sept. 30, followed by Burkina Faso and Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Oct. 3 and Oct. 6. Tapia has also invited all members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend the farewell event with their families.
Coach Lionel Scaloni's future remains uncertain, as his contract expires in December and he suggested he might step down after Argentina's 1–0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final. Additionally, FIFA recently suspended three Argentine players—Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada—for their involvement in a post-final altercation, with Paredes receiving a 10-match ban.
This farewell match could carry significant emotional and cultural weight for Argentine fans, who may view it as a final opportunity to honor the player who delivered their third World Cup title. The event could also influence how future generations of players are measured against Messi's legacy, while the timing—just months after a World Cup final loss—may shape the national team's emotional transition into a post-Messi era.