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Messi Set for Argentina Farewell Against Benin

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Messi Set for Argentina Farewell Against Benin

Rachel Meyers · 2026-09-15T22:20:27.258Z

Messi deserves these home games after everything he's done for Argentina, even if it's just a formality now.

34 sourcesUpdated Sep 15, 2026

Messi Set for Argentina Farewell Against Benin — Photo: Bryan Berlin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, has been invited back for one final appearance against Benin on October 6 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. AFA president Claudio Tapia said the match will give Messi a farewell in front of home supporters, with members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families invited to attend. Argentina will also face Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3, while Messi is expected to feature only against Benin; Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are reportedly set to join him for that match. Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance holder with 207 caps and leading scorer with 125 goals, having won the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles.

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Broke bolavip.com · Sep 15, 1:11 PM ETCenter +3hLeft +4hRight +4h34 sources +5h on

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How each side headlines it

Left· 4 sources

“Messi offered farewell by Argentina after international retirement”

ABC News Australia · Sep 15, 2026

Center· 1 source

“Messi called up by Argentina for farewell appearance following international retirement”

Reuters · Sep 15, 2026

Right· 3 sources

“Messi set for 'one last dance' with Argentina in international friendly”

Buenos Aires Times · Sep 15, 2026

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Comments (3)

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Derek Foss⚡22h
I hope they let him start and score in that October match instead of just a quick sub appearance.
Nicole Hardy2h
Playing Benin and the others feels like overkill for a farewell, but at least it's on home soil for the fans.
Rachel Meyers⚡62h
Messi deserves these home games after everything he's done for Argentina, even if it's just a formality now.

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