Lionel Messi’s story with Argentina spans more than two decades, built from a teenage debut in 2005 into a career that defined a generation of South American football.
He captained the Albiceleste to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, ending a 36-year wait for the trophy, and added Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 to a trophy cabinet already filled with eight Ballon d’Or awards.
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That international journey appeared to reach its conclusion this year.
Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain in July, and weeks later, following the death of his father Jorge on August 8, Messi said he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football “for much longer.”
On August 31, the 39-year-old confirmed his retirement from the national team in an Instagram post.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I understand that it is the right time,” he wrote, adding that he had “given it my all” and had “nothing left to give.”
Now the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has confirmed how that story will end on the pitch.
Messi was named on Tuesday in Lionel Scaloni’s 28-man squad for a run of three home friendlies, with his involvement centred on the final fixture against Benin on October 6.
AFA president Claudio Tapia said the decision followed a conversation with Scaloni and Messi’s own acceptance of the invitation.
“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,” Tapia said.
Tapia also confirmed that every member of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad has been invited to attend the match with their families, describing it as an occasion to witness “the last tango” of Messi’s international career.
Argentina open their friendly schedule against Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30, their first match since the World Cup final defeat, before hosting Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. The Benin game, three days later, will also be played at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, which holds around 85,000 spectators.
For Liverpool supporters, the squad list carries an extra layer of interest.
Alexis Mac Allister has also been called up for the three friendlies, giving the Anfield midfielder the chance to share the pitch with Messi one final time on the international stage.
The pair have built a close bond since first playing together in 2022. Mac Allister has featured alongside Messi 42 times for Argentina, with the team losing just three of those matches: against Uruguay, Paraguay, and Spain in this year’s World Cup final.
Their shared history includes lifting the World Cup in Qatar and winning the 2024 Copa America together. Mac Allister has previously said of playing alongside his captain: “I enjoy being with Leo a lot, there won’t be another one like him.”
When Messi announced his retirement on August 31, Mac Allister was one of the first teammates to respond, commenting on the post just three minutes later.
“Thank you for everything you gave us inside and outside the pitch,” he wrote.
The relationship dates back further than their senior careers together.
Mac Allister has recalled being a nervous Boca Juniors youngster meeting Messi for the first time at a team dinner before a friendly, saying his “hands were shaking” as he introduced himself to his idol.
He has also spoken about Messi shielding him from an unwanted nickname early in his Argentina career, telling teammates not to call him “Colo” once he learned Mac Allister disliked it.
Lionel Messi has yet to publicly confirm his participation in the Benin match, though Tapia’s statement indicates he has already accepted the invitation. If he takes the field, it will be his 208th appearance for Argentina.
He leaves the national team as its all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals from 207 caps, both records. He also finished as a World Cup runner-up in 2014 and 2026, either side of his triumph in Qatar.
Messi’s club career continues regardless of his international farewell. He remains under contract with Inter Miami through the end of the 2028 MLS season, having extended his deal with the club last October.
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