Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a farewell match. The match will mark his retirement from international football. Messi announced his retirement two months ago. It came after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain.
The Argentine Football Association has confirmed the farewell match. AFA president Claudio Tapia said Messi will face Benin on October 6. The match will be played at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Tapia said they invited the best player in the world to have a deserved farewell in Argentina.
Argentina will play two other matches before the farewell. They will face Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. Then they will host Burkina Faso on October 3 in Buenos Aires. The Bolivia match will have its capacity reduced by 50 per cent. This is due to FIFA sanctions related to incidents during the World Cup.
Some Argentina players are suspended for their roles in an altercation during the World Cup final. Leandro Paredes must serve a 10-match suspension. Nahuel Molina has a seven-match suspension. Thiago Almada has a one-match suspension.
Messi said he had nothing left to give to the national team. He said time is running short and chapters come to a close. He said this one hurts him deeply. He also said he loves being part of the national team and always will. He noted that great young players are coming through and deserve their chance.
Messi had a glorious career with Argentina. He won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. Argentina tried to win back-to-back World Cups but fell short. Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists in the 2026 tournament. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.
Messi is Argentina’s all-time record appearance maker. He has 208 caps. He is also their all-time top scorer with 125 goals. The AFA has invited all the 2022 World Cup winners to join Messi for the farewell match. Their families are also invited. The AFA called it an unforgettable match for all Argentinians. They will watch the world’s best player’s last dance.
Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul will also only feature in the Benin match. This has led to speculation about the international futures of Messi’s fellow World Cup winners.
Lionel Messi Eyes First Trophy of Season and 100th Inter Miami Goal Against Cruz Azul in Campeones Cup
Lionel Messi will be back in action for Inter Miami on Wednesday. His team will host Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup. The match will be played at NU Stadium. It gives Messi a chance to win his first trophy of the season. It could also be his 100th goal for the club.
Inter Miami have had a mixed season. They did not make it out of the group stage in the Leagues Cup. They were also knocked out of the Concacaf Champions Cup in the last 16 by Nashville. So the Campeones Cup is a big opportunity. The match is between the champions of MLS and Liga MX. It is not considered a major trophy by FIFA or Concacaf. But a win would still be a boost for Messi and his team.
On Sunday, Miami drew 2-2 with Nashville. That was a blow to their hopes of catching Nashville at the top of the Eastern Conference. Messi scored a superb left-footed goal in that game. It was his 99th goal in 114 appearances for Inter Miami. He leads the MLS scoring charts with 19 goals in 22 games. Interim manager Guillermo Hoyos praised him. He said God gave Messi his gift. He called Messi a one-of-a-kind player who cannot be repeated.
Miami looked like they would win that match. But Sam Surridge scored his second goal in stoppage time. That kept Nashville nine points ahead. The draw was Miami’s third in a row. They have won only once in their last nine games. That one win was a 7-1 demolition of Montreal, in which Messi scored four goals.
The club is also waiting for its new coach. Cristian “Kily” Gonzalez has been appointed. But he cannot officially start until his work visa is approved. That is taking longer than expected. Hoyos said Gonzalez is a perfect fit. He said Gonzalez is highly capable and can help the club reach the level it deserves. Hoyos said they will talk when Gonzalez arrives. For now, Miami are in a state of flux.
Cruz Azul won their 10th Mexican title in May. They beat Pumas UNAM 2-1 on aggregate. Rodolfo Rotondi scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner. Huiqui had only been in charge for seven games at that point. In July, they also won the Campeon de Campeones, Mexico’s Super Cup. They beat Toluca 3-1 in California. Argentine midfielder Jose Paradela scored twice.
FAQs
Q. When will Messi play his farewell match for Argentina?
A. Messi will face Benin on October 6.
Q. How many caps does Messi have for Argentina?
A. Messi has 208 international caps.
Q. How many goals has Messi scored for Argentina?
A. Messi has scored 125 international goals.
Q. How many goals has Messi scored for Inter Miami?
A. Messi has scored 99 goals for the club.
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