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[SPORTS] · Argentina, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso · 48 sources

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Lionel Messi to play final Argentina match on October 6 FAST-MOVING

Lionel Messi has been called up by the Argentina national team to play a final farewell match on October 6 against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. This follows his announcement of retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, after Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) president, Claudio Tapia, confirmed the decision to invite Messi to receive a proper send-off. The AFA also plans to invite members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to participate in the tribute.

Argentina is scheduled to play three friendly matches during the upcoming FIFA international window. The series begins on September 30 against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, followed by a match against Burkina Faso on October 3 at the Monumental. Due to FIFA sanctions following the 2026 World Cup, the match against Bolivia will be played at 50 percent stadium capacity.

While Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso are confirmed for the October 6 match, other players including Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada are currently serving FIFA suspensions.

Entities

Argentina · Argentina Football Association · Argentina national football team · Argentine Football Association · Benin · Benin national football team · Claudio Tapia · Estadio Monumental · FIFA · Lionel Messi · Lionel Scaloni

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