Lionel Messi is included in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires, a match widely described as his final appearance for the national team following his recent retirement announcement.
Multiple outlets report that the Argentine Football Association invites Messi to receive a “farewell” in his final international game. The Athletic and others cite an AFA statement that the squad will include the 2022 World Cup winners, with players accompanied by their families. AFP-based reporting adds that Argentina plans to host a series of friendlies in late September and early October, and that Messi is expected to make his 208th and final cap.
The coverage converges on the date and location at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, capacity around 85,000, and on Messi’s role as Argentina captain and record scorer. Some reports also provide additional context on how his retirement follows a two-decade international career, and how Argentina’s domestic and match-related disciplinary matters may affect the broader friendly schedule.
