Messi Included in Argentina Squad Ahead of Planned International Farewell

Lionel Messi has been included in a 28-man Argentina squad for upcoming matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, placing him in line for a planned international farewell.

The most prominent celebration is expected to take place on October 6, when Argentina faces Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. The year of the fixture was not specified in the available information.

Farewell plans take shape

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, said Messi deserves the farewell he has earned. Tapia has also invited Argentina’s 2022 World Cup champions and their families to take part in the celebrations.

The squad announcement comes after Messi announced his retirement from Argentina duty on August 29. The source said the announcement followed Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain and the recent death of Messi’s father.

It remains unclear whether Messi will play in all three of the listed matches or whether his involvement will be limited to the planned farewell occasion.

A lasting Argentina legacy

Messi is described as an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and a central figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. He has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for the country, according to the source.

Those achievements are expected to form part of the tribute at the Monumental Stadium as Argentina prepares to recognize one of the defining figures of its football history.