Overview
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni named Messi in the squad solely for the Oct. 6 farewell friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
- Messi will not play in the two earlier friendlies in the international window on Sept. 30 and Oct. 3, leaving those games to give minutes to younger players.
- Adidas and the AFA produced a bespoke commemorative jersey that Messi previewed on social media featuring gold 'MESSI 10' printing, a Sun of May motif and his personal 'M' logo.
- AFA president Claudio Tapia invited the 2022 World Cup winners and their families, and Nicolás Otamendi was recalled so he can also receive a farewell at the Monumental.
- The match is expected to draw roughly 84,000–85,000 fans with tickets announced and will mark the close of Messi’s Argentina record of about 207 appearances and 125 goals as the team begins a new era.