Full Breakdown
Messi’s Farewell Friendly Set for October 6
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: AFA invites Lionel Messi to a home farewell match
The Argentine Football Association confirmed Lionel Andrés Messi will be in the squad for a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, billed as his official farewell appearance for “La Albiceleste” after retiring from international football.
Background & Context
Messi announced his retirement in August, ending a 21-year international career that includes a 2022 World Cup title, two Copa América crowns and the all-time records for goals and caps for Argentina. The farewell match follows three home friendlies that are the team’s first fixtures since the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain.
Timeline
- Sept 15 – AFA announces Messi’s inclusion for the October friendly.
- Sept 21 – Oct 6 – FIFA international window; Argentina will play three home friendlies.
- Sept 30 – Argentina vs. Bolivia in Córdoba (capacity reduced by 50 % under FIFA sanctions).
- Oct 3 – Argentina hosts Burkina Faso at the Monumental.
- Oct 6 – Scheduled farewell friendly versus Benin at the Monumental (some outlets list Oct 7 AEST).
Data & Statistics
- Messi’s career totals: 125 goals in 207 appearances, the most for Argentina.
- Squad for the window includes goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez, midfielders Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
- Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will travel to Buenos Aires for the Benin match.
- Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada are serving suspensions (10, 7 and 1 matches) for an altercation after the World Cup final.
Official Statements & Responses
Messi’s retirement message posted in August said stepping away “hurts…deep in my soul” but that he had given his all for the national shirt and was grateful for Argentine fans.
Verbatim Quote
- “After a conversation with senior national team coach Lionel Scaloni, we decided to invite the best player in the world — our icon, our captain Lionel Messi — so that he can have the farewell he deserves on October 6,” — Claudio Tapia, AFA president
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most sources list the farewell match for October 6, but an ABC report specifies October 7 AEST. No source confirms whether Messi will actually take the field, as the federation notes his participation remains pending.
What’s Next
The friendly will be Messi’s final appearance for Argentina. After the match, the AFA will assess the national team’s direction under coach Lionel Scaloni, whose contract expires in December. The outcome and any squad decisions will be observed in the weeks following the farewell.