Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Inter Miami superstar, is officially back in Argentina’s 28-man squad for what’s being called a grand finale farewell match! Forget the international retirement announcement, because the icon is expected to play against Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires. This isn’t just another game, it’s shaping up to be a legendary send-off for a player who has redefined the sport.
One Last Tango for the Icon
So, yeah, Messi had previously announced his international retirement. But that’s all changed now because the head of Argentina soccer, Claudio Tapia, just dropped a bombshell, saying Messi accepted the invitation for the October 6 game. “After a conversation with senior national team coach Lionel Scaloni, we decided to invite the best player in the world , our icon, our captain Lionel Messi , so that he can have the farewell he deserves on October 6,” Tapia said. This guy isn’t just a legend, he’s *the* legend, leading Argentina to that insane 2022 World Cup title and pushing them to the final again in the 2026 edition. Tapia even added that they want all the Qatar World Cup champions and their families to come witness “the ‘last tango’ of the world’s best player.” You know this is going to be emotional, a moment nobody will forget.
Friendlies, Bans, and Coaching Drama
Before that epic farewell, Argentina has a few other friendlies lined up after Messi’s initial retirement. They’ll face Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba. Then, it’s off to the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires for games against Burkina Faso on October 3 and, of course, Benin on October 6 for Messi’s big night. It’s not all smooth sailing for the Albiceleste, though. Coach Lionel Scaloni’s contract is up in December, and he hinted he might step down after their 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19. Talk about drama! Plus, three Argentina players, Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, got hit with FIFA bans after a scuffle post-World Cup final. Paredes even got a whopping 10-match ban.
Despite the off-field stuff, all eyes are locked on that October 6 date. It’s set to be an unforgettable moment for Messi, Argentina, and every single soccer fan on the planet. Get ready for a send-off fit for a king.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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