Buenos Aires is preparing for a farewell that will carry more weight than an ordinary friendly. Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina against Benin on 6 October, bringing an international career that began in 2005 to its closing scene.
Messi’s Argentina goodbye set for Benin friendly
- Messi announced at the end of August that he would retire from international football at the age of 39.
- Argentina have called their captain into the squad for the friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on 6 October.
- The match is expected to be Messi’s final outing for the Albiceleste after 203 caps and 125 goals.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he had worked to ensure Messi could leave the national side on his own terms. Scaloni, who has managed Argentina since 2018, said he felt fortunate to be involved in the occasion.
“I have done my part because I want to be there for his farewell,” Scaloni said. “I do not know whether I will still be here in the future, so we did everything possible for him to play this match and say goodbye in the way he wants.”
Scaloni expects an emotional occasion
The coach admitted the final minutes of Messi’s Argentina career will be difficult to watch without emotion. “It will be hard not to cry,” Scaloni said when asked about the prospect of his captain’s farewell.
Scaloni’s own future remains unresolved, with his contract due to expire on 31 December. Asked about his situation, he offered no update, saying there was “nothing new” to report.
Ballon d’Or backing for Argentina captain
Messi could still add another individual honour shortly after his international goodbye. The France Football Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 26 October in London, where the eight-time winner could claim a ninth award.
Scaloni made clear where his vote of confidence would lie. “If the prize is for the best player,” he said, leaving the rest understood.
