Messi's farewell match

Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Oct 6.

“To all the fans of Argentina, to all Argentines, I want to communicate that after a conversation we had with national team manager Lionel Scaloni, we've decided to invite the best player in the world, the icon of our national team, our captain Lionel Messi, so that he can receive the goodbye he truly deserves on Oct 6, here in Argentina.”

Argentina's final roster

Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso join the squad exclusively for the Oct 6 friendly match.

FIFA punishment

Argentina must hold two home matches with reduced stadium capacity due to FIFA penalties for fan behavior at the 2026 World Cup.

Scaloni's uncertain future

Lionel Scaloni's contract expires at year end, and this match could be his last game as manager.

World Cup champions invited

All 2022 World Cup champions who played with Messi are invited to attend the farewell match with their families.

New generation

Young talents like Agustín Giay and Matías Soulé are part of Argentina's next generation for the 2030 World Cup.

Pre-farewell matches

Argentina will play Bolivia on Sept 30 and Burkina Faso on Oct 3 before the Benin match.

Suspended players

Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are suspended and not part of the squad.

Messi's last shirt

Franco Mastantuono will wear Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt for the first time in the squad.

End of an era

The Oct 6 match marks the end of Messi's career with Argentina and a landmark moment in world soccer.