Following the Argentine captain's announcement of his retirement from international football on 31/8, the AFA expressed its desire to organize a grand farewell for Messi in front of his home crowd. They are making this a reality by calling up the 39-year-old superstar for the friendly match on 6/10.
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Argentine forward Lionel Messi during the 0-1 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US on 19/7/2026. Photo: AP |
"To all national team fans and the people of Argentina, I announce that after discussions with head coach Lionel Scaloni, we have decided to extend an invitation to the world's best player, our icon and captain, Lionel Andres Messi. He will have a fitting farewell on 6/10 right here in his homeland, Argentina," AFA President Claudio Tapia stated on 15/9.
Tapia added: "After Messi accepted, we also wanted to invite all World Cup champions from Qatar and their families to join us for this historic match. This will be 'The Last Tango' for the greatest player in the world."
During the FIFA Days period from 21/9 to 6/10, Argentina will play three friendly matches. The first two are against Bolivia on 30/9 at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium (Cordoba) and against Burkina Faso on 3/10 at Monumental Stadium (Buenos Aires). The final match, against Benin on 6/10, will be Messi's opportunity to bid farewell to his fans.
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Argentine forward Lionel Messi crying, with coach Lionel Scaloni behind him, after Argentina's 0-1 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, US on 19/7/2026. Photo: AP |
This means Messi has been called up to play only one match. It will be his 208th appearance for Argentina, offering him the chance to surpass the 125-goal mark – two milestones no other player in Argentine football history has reached. Opponent Benin is part of the African Football Confederation (CAF) and currently ranks 93rd in the FIFA rankings.
Before joining the Argentine squad, Messi will play three more matches for Inter Miami. On 17/9, he will face Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup at UN Stadium. Subsequently, on 21/9, Messi and his teammates will host San Diego in the MLS, before traveling to play Columbus Crew in the next round.
The FIFA Days period from late September to early October will mark the final chapter for a generation of the Argentine national team led by Messi. A transition of players will occur, even as Scaloni's future as head coach remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire at the end of 2026.
Ha Phuong compiled
