Messi named in Argentina squad for planned farewell against Benin
Argentina has included Lionel Messi in its squad for a 6 October friendly in Buenos Aires, planned as a celebration of his career.
Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina’s squad for a planned farewell appearance against Benin in Buenos Aires on 6 October.
The Argentine Football Association said the invitation was agreed with coach Lionel Scaloni. Association president Claudio Tapia described the match as a farewell for Messi and said members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup squad had been invited.
Messi, along with midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul, is expected to join the squad for the Benin match only. Argentina’s wider international window also includes friendlies against Bolivia on 30 September and Burkina Faso on 3 October.
Messi is reported to be Argentina’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances since his debut in 2005.
The appearance is being presented as a planned farewell, but squad selection does not guarantee that Messi will take the field. The match date and arrangements may also change.
