The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi will pull on the Albiceleste shirt one final time.
Following his international retirement, the legendary captain has been included in the squad for a special home friendly match against Benin on October 6, 2026, at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
AFA President Claudio Tapia announced that Messi accepted the invitation to receive a proper home send-off following his decision to step away from international football.
Tapia said in a video released on Instagram: “To all Argentina fans and Argentinians, I want to tell you that after a chat with the national team head coach, Lionel Scaloni, we have taken the decision to invite the best player in the world, emblem of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so he can have the farewell he truly deserves on October 6, here, in Argentina.”
The AFA has extended an invitation to the entire squad that triumphed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to attend the match alongside their families, promising a festive and emotional tribute for the nation’s greatest-ever player.
The fixture will mark Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina, adding to his historic record of 125 international goals.
The game against Benin will cap off a three-match home window for Argentina, serving as an unforgettable celebration for fans to honor their iconic captain.