Messi to Play Final Match Against Benin in October
Argentina coach confirms farewell match for Messi in October friendly.
The Brief
- Messi will play in October's friendly against Benin.
- Scaloni ensured Messi's participation for a farewell appearance.
- Match will take place at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Lionel Messi will participate in the October friendly against Benin, which will serve as his final international appearance.
Scaloni stated that the match in Buenos Aires will allow Messi to 'say goodbye the way he wants to,' emphasizing the emotional significance of the event.
Messi, who announced his international retirement in August, has been included in the squad for the farewell match, as per Scaloni's decision.
The coach, who led Argentina to a World Cup title in 2022, expressed that he did his part to ensure Messi's final appearance would be in front of Argentina’s fans.
Messi will join the squad for the third game against Benin on October 6 at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, which has a capacity of 85,000 spectators.
Scaloni also mentioned that Messi, who scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami in September, deserves to win another Ballon d’Or, though he did not comment on the 2026 award.
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