The passionate story between Lionel Messi and the Albiceleste jersey had therefore not quite delivered its last chapter. While the world of football thought it had bid farewell internationally to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner on August 31, the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) created a surprise this Tuesday, September 15 by including him in coach Lionel Scaloni’s list for the next international break.
A little over two weeks ago, at the age of 39, “La Pulga” announced with emotion the end of his career with the national team. Marked by the defeat in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain and bereaved by the recent loss of his father and agent Jorge Messi, the Argentine captain felt that the time had come: “It’s a decision that still hurts deep within me, but I understand that it’s time,”
he confided.
After 207 caps and 125 goals, Messi left behind a colossal legacy, immortalized by a coronation at the 2022 World Cup and two victories in the Copa América (2021, 2024). But for the leaders of Argentine football, such a monument could not be extinguished by a simple message posted on social networks.
A “last dance” organized at the Monumental
In order to offer him the tribute worthy of his immense legend, Claudio Tapia, president of the AFA, and Lionel Scaloni imagined a jubilee at the Monumental. If Argentina will begin its rally without its star against Bolivia on September 30 in Córdoba, then against Burkina Faso on October 3, the eight-time Ballon d’Or will make its grand return for the final confrontation against Benin, on October 6.
“Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will join the team for the final friendly match”, formalized the federation. The 85,000 spectators at the River Plate Monumental stadium will have the privilege of witnessing the real farewell on the pitch of their national hero.
To mark the event, the AFA also invited all of the 2022 world champions to join the celebration alongside their families, promising an evening “unforgettable”. More than just a friendly match, this meeting against Benin will take on the appearance of a national holiday. The perfect opportunity for the Argentine people to salute their hero one last time.
