The Monumental will have one more night with Lionel Messi in Argentina colours. The former Paris Saint-Germain forward is set to make his international farewell in a home friendly against Benin on 6 October, weeks after announcing the end of his Argentina career.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he worked hard to ensure the occasion could happen now, with his own future as national-team coach unresolved. Scaloni’s contract expires in December.
Quick facts
- Messi will face Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on 6 October.
- The match is planned as his final appearance for Argentina.
- He retired from international football at the end of August.
- Argentina’s retirement announcement followed their 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain.
- Scaloni’s deal ends in December after a World Cup title and two Copa America wins.
Messi, formerly of Barcelona and PSG, called time on his international career less than six weeks after Argentina lost the World Cup final. Scaloni then selected him again for the Benin fixture, creating a final opportunity for supporters in Buenos Aires to say goodbye.
“A player of his stature deserves this,” Scaloni said on Thursday. “I wanted to be there when he leaves. I do not know whether I will still be here later, so we did everything possible to arrange this match.”
The Argentina coach said Messi had shown determination to return despite the circumstances surrounding his retirement. He said the forward wanted to bid farewell directly to the public that has supported him throughout his international career.
Scaloni, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America crowns, believes the tribute cannot be delayed. “If we are going to honour him, it has to be now,” he said. “What he represents will never end, but later the magic may not feel the same.”
