Argentina have named Lionel Messi in their squad for an October friendly against Benin, set to be his farewell to international football. Messi announced his retirement from Argentina duty in August after their 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain and following the death of his father, Jorge.

The 39-year-old, who captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup, said the decision hurt him "deeply" but he had "given it my all" and had "nothing left to give". An eight-time Ballon d'Or winner who plays for Inter Miami, Messi is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player with 125 goals in 207 appearances.

"We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves on 6 October here in Argentina," said Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia.

River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which holds 85,000, will host the game against Benin. Argentina's 2022 World Cup winners have also been invited, which Tapia called an "unforgettable" occasion.