In a move that will excite fans across Buenos Aires and beyond, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced Tuesday that Lionel Messi has been added to coach Lionel Scaloni’s 28‑man squad for the upcoming friendly against Benin on Oct. 6. The invitation, described by AFA president Claudio Tapia as a chance for the “icon” and captain to enjoy a proper farewell, comes despite Messi’s earlier statement that he would retire from international duty after the 2022 World Cup triumph.
Details of the October friendly schedule
The Oct. 6 match will be played at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the historic home of River Plate and a venue that has hosted countless Argentine triumphs. Two other home friendlies are already on the calendar: a Sept. 30 game against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, and a Oct. 3 contest with Burkina Faso, also at the Monumental.
Messi’s response and family invitation
Tapia said Messi accepted the invitation promptly. “Having received Lionel’s acceptance, we want to invite all the Qatar World Cup champions to join him, along with their families, to witness the ‘last tango’ of the world’s best player,” he added. The AFA hopes the event will allow supporters, former teammates and the players’ families to share in what could be the final appearance of the 39‑year‑old Inter Miami star in an Argentine jersey.
Scaloni’s future and recent disciplinary news
While the focus is on Messi, the squad announcement also raises questions about the future of head coach Lionel Scaloni. His contract expires in December, and he hinted he might step down after Argentina’s 1–0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19. The upcoming friendlies could serve as a final showcase for his tenure.
In related news, three Argentine players—midfielder Leandro Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina and forward Thiago Almada—were recently handed bans by FIFA for a scuffle that occurred after the World Cup final. Paredes received a ten‑match suspension, while the other two received shorter penalties. The disciplinary actions underscore the heightened emotions still surrounding the tournament’s conclusion.
What the farewell means for Argentine fans
Messi’s potential final appearance for the Albiceleste carries deep emotional weight for a nation that has rallied around his talent for more than two decades. The AFA’s decision to host the match at the Monumental, a stadium steeped in Argentine football heritage, reflects a desire to give the captain a proper send‑off on home soil.
Fans across the country are already planning travel to Buenos Aires, and local businesses anticipate a boost in hospitality activity surrounding the Oct. 6 date. The AFA has indicated that ticket sales will be made available soon, with priority given to families of the 2022 World Cup squad.
Looking ahead
Should Messi choose to play, the friendly will likely be a historic moment for both the player and Argentine football. If he decides to sit out, the match will still serve as a symbolic farewell, allowing the nation to celebrate his contributions while turning its attention to the next generation of talent that will carry the Albiceleste forward.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
