BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi has been called up by Argentina for a farewell appearance in a home friendly against Benin on Oct. 6, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed on Tuesday, following his retirement from international football last month.
AFA president Claudio Tapia said Messi had been invited to play in the match at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, which will be his first appearance for Argentina since announcing his international retirement.
Argentina will play three home friendlies during the Sept. 21-Oct. 6 international window, their first matches since the World Cup. They will face Bolivia in Cordoba on Sept. 30 before hosting Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on Oct. 3.
Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have been confirmed to take part in the final friendly against Benin, while players selected from Argentina’s domestic league will be announced later.
The Bolivia match will be played at 50% stadium capacity as part of FIFA sanctions linked to incidents during the World Cup.
Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada are serving suspensions of 10, seven and one match respectively for their involvement in an altercation after the World Cup final against Spain
Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Aug. 31, bringing an end to his international career after more than two decades. The Oct. 6 fixture will give the captain an opportunity to make his farewell appearance in front of home supporters.
