Lionel Messi called up by Argentina for farewell match on Oct. 6 in Buenos Aires

Lionel Messi will take part in a farewell match with Argentina on Oct. 6 against Benin in Buenos Aires as part of the upcoming international break. The 39-year-old Messi announced on Aug. 31 that he was retiring from national team duties saying in a social media message, "I've given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here." Argentina is set to face Bolivia at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Córdoba on Sept. 30. They will also play Burkina Faso on Oct. 3 and Benin on Oct. 6 with the final two matches taking place at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires during the extended FIFA international window. Estadio Monumental's capacity of 85,018 makes it the largest stadium in South America. Messi's farewell message came weeks after Argentina lost to Spain in the World Cup final, which saw the soccer legend walk off the MetLife Stadium field holding back tears. Nearly a month later, Messi's father, Jorge, died after dealing with undisclosed illness at age 68. Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances with Argentina. He led the Albiceleste two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as three World Cup finals, including 2022 when Argentina beat France. For MLS side Inter Miami, the club Messi has played for since 2023, he leads the lead with 19 goals and 32 goal contributions through 22 games.