Omotayo Fashola
(Lionel Messi Celebrates with Teammates. Photo Credit: VAnguard News)
Argentina’s football legend Lionel Messi will play his final international match in a highly anticipated friendly against Benin on October 6, capping off an illustrious 20-year career with La Albiceleste.
The 39-year-old icon shocked fans last month by announcing his retirement from national team duties, marking the end of an era that saw him deliver Argentina’s first World Cup in 36 years in 2022.
With two Copa América triumphs (2021 and 2024) and a record 125 goals for his country, Messi leaves behind a legacy as Argentina’s greatest footballer.
The Argentine Football Association president confirmed that Messi’s farewell match will be a star-studded event at Buenos Aires’ legendary Estadio Monumental, with capacity for 85,000 spectators.
All members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad have been invited to participate in the emotional send-off.
This historic final appearance comes after warm-up fixtures against Bolivia (September 30) and Burkina Faso (October 3), with the Benin clash serving as Messi’s 208th and last international cap.
The football world speculates his retirement decision was influenced by his father’s passing last month, though Messi maintains it was simply “the right moment” to step away.
Despite retiring internationally, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, where he continues rewriting MLS records.
FIFA recently sanctioned Argentina with a 50% stadium capacity reduction following political demonstrations during World Cup qualifiers.
This adds extra significance to Messi’s farewell, as it may be the last opportunity for fans to see him represent Argentina in front of a full-house crowd.
