By Zoila Palma: Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina when the World Cup champions face Benin in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on October 6.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the 39-year-old Inter Miami star has accepted an invitation to receive a farewell from the national team and its supporters.
Messi had previously confirmed his decision to retire from international football, but will now return for one final match in Argentina.
He will feature only against Benin, alongside fellow 2022 World Cup champions Giovani Lo Celso and Rodrigo De Paul. The match will conclude a series of friendlies for Lionel Scaloni’s side, which begins against Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30.
The AFA has also invited the entire squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to attend the farewell match with their families. In announcing the invitation, the association described Messi as “the world’s best player,” an icon and captain of Argentina, saying the October 6 match would provide him with the send-off he deserves.
The Benin match will mark Messi’s 208th and final international appearance, giving him an opportunity to add to his remarkable tally of 125 goals for Argentina. His international career has included World Cup glory in 2022 and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, cementing his place as one of the country’s greatest footballers.
The post International News: End of an era — Messi set for final Argentina match against Benin appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina when the World Cup champions face Benin in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on October 6. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the 39-year-old Inter Miami star has accepted an invitation to receive a farewell from the national
The post International News: End of an era — Messi set for final Argentina match against Benin appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
