The moment of farewell has almost arrived. The official farewell, accompanied by a written letter, took place a few days ago, without any surprises, because at the age of 39 it was almost impossible to think that Lionel Messi would continue playing for Argentina. An undisputed champion, a great legend of world football must be greeted and honored with all the honors, and Argentina is reserving an extraordinary celebration for him. The big day, the one in which smiles and many tears will be mixed, will be October 6, when Benin will arrive at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.
7 Serie A players in Argentina squad
The change in the international calendar brings innovations for all national teams. The European ones will engage in the Nations League, while Italy will play four matches. For Argentina, there will be three friendlies. For these matches, coach Scaloni has gathered 28 players, seven of whom play in Serie A: Nico Paz (Como), Mastantuono (Fiorentina), Nico Gonzalez (Juventus), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), Balerdi, Soulè, Castro (Roma). Leo Messi is also on the list, who, however, will not be available for the first two friendlies, those with Bolivia (September 30) and Burkina Faso (October 3).
#SelecciónMayor Lista de convocados para los próximos amistosos 🇦🇷
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) September 15, 2026
📝 https://t.co/SqoaIewEQR pic.twitter.com/sS9iXric49
Messi will bid farewell to Argentina on October 6, in a friendly against Benin.
Then comes the big celebration at the Monumental, River Plate's stadium, on October 6, a Tuesday, for Argentina-Benin, which will not be a friendly like all the others. An extraordinary era will close, the one that has seen Leo Messi protagonist for 21 years with the national team, since his debut in the summer of 2005, with three World Cup finals played, one won, and six World Cups held (a record together with CR7 and Ochoa). 207 matches, which will become 208, with 125 goals; it is easy to think that another one could come, although it would be nice anyway if his last goal were a goal scored in the World Cup, where he was a magnificent protagonist this year too.
