Lionel Messi has been INCLUDED in the Argentina squad list for his last dance before international retirement.
Messi officially announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026. In a statement posted across his social media channels, Messi revealed that he had originally drafted his farewell letter on July 21, 2026—just two days after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
Messi will make his final appearance for the Argentina national team in a specially arranged international friendly against Benin on October 6, 2026, at Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires (Capacity: 85,000).
Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia formally invited Messi to give home supporters an opportunity to honor his career. AFA also invited members of Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning squad to join Messi on the pitch.
The match will serve as Messi’s 208th and final cap for Argentina, concluding his international career with a record 125 goals.
