Messi to Bid Farewell to Argentina Team Against Benin

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni stated that “only nostalgia remains” as Lionel Messi prepares for his final appearance for the national team against Benin in a farewell friendly scheduled for October 7 at the sold-out Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Messi will earn his 208th cap in this match.

The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football on August 31, following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain, citing he had nothing more to give. Scaloni noted that Messi could return if he changes his mind and reflected on Messi's significant impact, highlighting their shared successes, including Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup.

Messi leaves as Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where his contract runs until the end of the 2028 season.