Lionel Messi Expected To Be Added To Argentina Squad For October 6 Farewell Match

Lionel Messi, 39, has been included in Argentina's 28-man squad by coach Lionel Scaloni for a farewell match against Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires, despite having previously announced his international retirement. Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed Messi accepted the invitation for the sendoff, with all 2022 Qatar World Cup champions also invited to attend. Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and reached the 2026 final, would be marking the end of a 21-year international career with the national team.