Messi's Argentina Farewell
Lionel Messi Will Play Final Argentina Match Against Benin in October
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Key Points
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Messi’s international career began in 2005, and he has made six World Cup appearances—tied with Cristiano Ronaldo—while his 21 World Cup goals rank second all time behind Kylian Mbappé’s 22.
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In his retirement statement, Messi said: “I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.”
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The AFA said the entire 2022 World Cup-winning squad is expected to attend the farewell match with their families, alongside Messi.
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Argentina’s preliminary squad includes several younger or newer players, including Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni, Román Vega, Matías Soulé and Santiago Castro.
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The Bolivia match in Córdoba is subject to a 50% attendance cap because of FIFA sanctions, while the two Monumental Stadium fixtures have no such restriction.
Lionel Messi has been called up for one final match with Argentina. The 37-year-old will play against Benin on October 6 at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium, weeks after announcing his retirement from international football. AFA president Claudio Tapia said the match will give Argentina's captain the farewell he deserves, with the entire 2022 World Cup-winning squad expected to attend.
Messi leaves as Argentina's most-capped player with 207 appearances and the team's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals. He won the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. In his retirement statement, Messi said: "I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football."
A Career Defined by Records and Trophies
Messi's international journey began in 2005 and spanned nearly two decades. He made six World Cup appearances—tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most by any outfield player. His 21 World Cup goals rank second all-time behind Kylian Mbappé's 22 goals. TSN noted that Messi's combination of consistency and clutch performances in major tournaments set him apart from his peers.
The Final Matches Before Retirement
Argentina has three matches scheduled before Messi's farewell. The team plays Bolivia on September 30 in Córdoba—a match subject to a 50% attendance cap due to FIFA sanctions. Next comes Burkina Faso on October 3 at the Monumental Stadium with no restrictions. FM99 reported that Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will only join the squad for the final match against Benin.
The October 6 farewell against Benin will feature the full 2022 World Cup-winning squad in attendance with their families, creating a celebration of Argentina's greatest achievement. Younger players like Franco Mastantuono, Matías Soulé, and Santiago Castro are also in the 28-man squad, representing the team's future.
A Fitting Goodbye for Argentina's Greatest
The farewell match honors one of football's greatest players. Messi transformed Argentina from a team that lost three Copa América finals before 2021 into back-to-back continental champions. His leadership guided Argentina through the most successful period in recent decades, culminating in the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
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