Messi to Bid Farewell to Argentina in October Friendly

Lionel Messi will wear Argentina's iconic sky-blue and white stripes for the final time on October 6, when the Albiceleste face Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The Argentine Football Association confirmed the farewell match as part of a three-game international window, giving fans a chance to honour the captain who ended the nation's 36-year World Cup drought in 2022.

The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football earlier this month, closing a record-breaking chapter that includes 112 goals and a Copa América three-peat. AFA president Claudio Tapia personally extended the invitation, calling Messi 'the best player in the world' and 'the icon of our team.' Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will also join the squad for the sentimental occasion.

Before the Monumental send-off, Lionel Scaloni's side travels to Córdoba to face Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Kempes Stadium, though FIFA sanctions will limit the venue to half capacity following a post-match altercation at the 2026 World Cup. Three days later, Argentina host Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires, with Messi expected to feature in both warm-up fixtures.

Messi's busy schedule continues Wednesday when Inter Miami meet Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup final at Nu Stadium, where he recently scored his 100th goal for the club. While the football world prepares to say goodbye to one of its greatest international careers, Argentine supporters will pack the Monumental to celebrate a legacy that redefined the Albiceleste.