Messi named in Argentina squad for Benin friendly amid farewell expectations
Argentina are scheduled to face Benin in Buenos Aires on 6 October, but the supplied material does not confirm Messi will play or that it will be his final appearance.
Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires, a match that could mark the end of his international career. His participation and the status of the fixture as his final Argentina appearance have not been publicly confirmed in the supplied material.
The match is scheduled for 6 October at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental. Messi announced his international retirement on 31 August, according to Fox Sports, after a 22-year career with Argentina that included a World Cup title.
Fox Sports reports that Messi made six World Cup appearances, playing 34 matches and recording 21 goals and 12 assists. The figures frame a career whose tournament record has been central to his standing in Argentina’s national team.
The friendly brings retirement expectations into focus, while leaving open whether Messi will take the field and whether this will be his final match for Argentina.
