Messi set to return for one last match

Football icon Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina in an official home farewell against Benin on Oct 6.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward was included in the national squad for the friendly at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 85,000-capacity home ground of River Plate will host the retirement game, arranged by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to give the star a fitting departure.

Messi announced his international retirement in August following Argentina's runner-up finish against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Reflecting on his decision alongside the loss of his father Jorge, Messi stated that leaving the national side hurts deeply, but noted he has nothing left to give.

AFA President Claudio Tapia confirmed the match on Oct 6, emphasizing that the global icon deserves a proper farewell in front of home supporters. Members of the 2022 Qatar World Cup winning squad have also been invited to join the occasion.

Messi leaves an unmatched legacy with the national team, holding records for both most appearances and goals with 125 goals in 207 caps. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 before ending his World Cup journey as a runner-up in 2026.

The match venue will operate at full capacity after FIFA disciplinary sanctions are cleared. Argentina was previously ordered to restrict home crowd capacity to 50 per cent for two matches due to fan behavior and political banners shown after their 2-1 semifinal win over England. However, one match sanction was suspended, and the remaining penalty will be served during upcoming friendlies against Bolivia on Sept 30 and Burkina Faso on Oct 3.

Meanwhile, teammates Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina will miss the event. Both players received multi-match suspensions following post-match altercations after the World Cup final against Spain.

-SA