Lionel Messi and Argentina
15 September 2026
Lionel Messi has accepted a call-up for Argentina’s October 6 friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental, which will serve as his final international appearance. Argentina also invited the entire 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families for the farewell.
The 39-year-old announced his international retirement on August 31 after 207 appearances and 125 goals. Messi will feature only against Benin, while Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will also join specifically for the send-off in Buenos Aires.