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AFA Calls Up Messi for October 6 Farewell Friendly

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 2:33 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Messi Called Up

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) called up Lionel Messi for a farewell friendly on October 6.
AFA president Claudio Tapia said the October 6 match will be held at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
Argentina will host Bolivia on September 30 in Córdoba’s Mario Kempes Stadium with capacity reduced by 50%.
Messi announced his international retirement last month, with no confirmation for the October 6 farewell.

Summary

Messi Announces Retirement

Messi was nominated among 30 candidates for the 2026 Ballon d'Or and will attend the ceremony.
In his retirement post, Messi said leaving the national team hurts deep in his soul and thanked fans.
Tapia invited all 2022 Qatar champions and their families to witness Messi’s “last tango.”
Messi will start under Inter Miami’s new coach Kily González on Wednesday, his first club match after retirement.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, Diego Maradona played his final match for Argentina at the United States’ Rose Bowl, ending a 16-year international career. The Argentine Football Association, led by Julio Grondona, recorded Maradona’s 34 caps and his 8-goal tally, while FIFA noted the tournament featured 24 national teams. Like Maradona’s 1994 farewell, the AFA under President Claudio Tapia schedules Lionel Messi’s October 6 send-off at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, inviting 2022 Qatar champions. Both departures sparked nationwide tributes, reinforced Argentina’s cultural reverence for football icons, and set precedents for future star retirements influencing global fan engagement.

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Messi Called Up

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) called up Lionel Messi for a farewell friendly on October 6.
AFA president Claudio Tapia said the October 6 match will be held at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
Argentina will host Bolivia on September 30 in Córdoba’s Mario Kempes Stadium with capacity reduced by 50%.
Messi announced his international retirement last month, with no confirmation for the October 6 farewell.

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