Messi Set for Final Argentina Game as Fans Prepare for Emotional Farewell

(Lionel Messi is Lifted by Teammates. Photo Credit: VAnguard News)

Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina's squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6 that will mark his final match for the national team after he announced his retirement last month.

The 39-year-old said in August he was stepping away from international football after 20 years playing for Argentina.

During his career, he won the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

The Argentine Football Association president said they decided to invite Messi for a proper farewell that he deserves.

The match will be played at River Plate's stadium in Buenos Aires, which holds 85,000 people.

The president also invited all players from Argentina's 2022 World Cup winning team to join the occasion.

Before the Benin match, Argentina will play Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3.

The Benin game will be Messi's 208th and last appearance for his country.

He is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals.

Messi's decision to retire came after his father died last month.

He said it was a difficult choice but the right time.

Messi plays for Inter Miami in the US and his contract runs until the end of 2028.

FIFA has ordered Argentina to reduce capacity at their home stadium to 50 percent after players held up a political banner during a World Cup match.

Some Argentine players also have match bans due to incidents following the World Cup final loss to Spain.