Messi to bow out of Argentina duty with Benin friendly on Oct. 6

Lionel Messi will play his last match for Argentina's national team on Oct. 6, when the country hosts Benin in a friendly in Buenos Aires, the capital.

The Argentine Football Federation (AFA) confirmed that Messi, 39, has been called up to the squad for the fixture.

The federation said it would invite the entire roster from Argentina's World Cup-winning campaign to the Benin match and, after discussions with head coach Lionel Scaloni, decided to call up Messi for a send-off appearance.

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates scoring the second goal during the match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, US, July 7, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Messi's international record

Messi has made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals. He announced in August that he was ending his international career.

Under Scaloni, Argentina will also play friendlies against Burkina Faso and Bolivia during the same international break.

September 16, 2026 10:19 AM GMT+03:00