# Messi gets farewell match in Buenos Aires

> Argentina calls up Lionel Messi for one final international appearance against Benin on October 6 at Estadio Monumental.
- Title: Messi gets farewell match in Buenos Aires · Malay Mail
- Summary: Argentina calls up Lionel Messi for one final international appearance against Benin on October 6 at Estadio Monumental. Lionel Messi will play his 208th and…
- Keywords: lionel messi, argentina, benin, estadio monumental, buenos aires, claudio tapia, inter miami, retirement, world cup 2022, copa america, fifa, international football
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/09/16/argentina-call-up-messi-for-final-international-appearance-in-buenos-aires/235342
- Published: 2026-09-16T09:24:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lionel messi, argentina, benin, estadio monumental, buenos aires, claudio tapia, inter miami, retirement, world cup 2022, copa america, fifa, international football
## Messi named for farewell match
Lionel Messi has been called up to Argentina's squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6. The match will be his final international appearance after announcing retirement last month.
## Two decades of international glory
The 39-year-old is retiring after winning the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He announced his decision in August after 20 years with Argentina.
## A farewell he deserves
Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia said they invited the best player in the world to have a proper farewell. The match will take place at River Plate's 85,000-capacity Estadio Monumental.

> We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi
## World Cup winners reunite
Tapia invited all of Argentina's 2022 World Cup winners to join Messi for what he called an unforgettable occasion. The team will play three friendlies in total this month.
## Record-breaking career ends
Messi will make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina. He is the country's all-time record scorer with 125 goals.
## Personal loss shaped decision
Following his father Jorge's death last month, Messi said he had serious doubts about continuing to play. He called it a decision that hurt deep in his soul but felt it was the right time.

> It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time
## FIFA sanctions after Falklands banner
FIFA ordered Argentina to play their next home match at 50 percent capacity. Several players held up a banner saying the Falklands are Argentine after beating England in the World Cup semi-final.
## Key takeaway

Lionel Messi will play his 208th and final match for Argentina on October 6 in Buenos Aires, ending a two-decade international career.