Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said now is the right time for Lionel Messi's international farewell amid uncertainty about his own future. The friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium on Oct. 6 will serve as Messi's final match in his national team jersey, following his announcement in late August.

"I believe that a player like him deserves that," Scaloni said. "And I personally contributed my bit because I want to be at his farewell. And since today I don't know if I would be available later on, we made an effort so that he could be in this match."

In the last World Cup, Messi played all eight matches and scored eight goals. The Inter Miami forward concluded his national team career as its all-time leading scorer with 125 goals. "For me, getting to coach him was the ultimate experience," Scaloni said. "There will never be anyone like him."

Scaloni, who hinted his tenure was over after the World Cup final loss, said he is willing to negotiate an extension of his contract, which expires in December. "We will talk -- there is every willingness to sit down," he said.