Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, in what is set to be his farewell appearance for the national team.

The 39-year-old had announced his retirement from international football in August after more than two decades with Argentina. His international career included winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

The Argentine Football Association confirmed that Messi accepted an invitation to return for the special fixture at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

AFA president Claudio Tapia said the decision was made to give the national team captain the farewell he deserved, while also inviting members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to attend the occasion.

The match against Benin will be the final fixture in a series of three friendlies for Argentina during the international break. The team will first face Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 before meeting Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3.

Messi’s farewell against Benin will take place at the Monumental, which has a capacity of about 85,000 spectators.

The former Barcelona captain leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, having played more than 200 matches for the country.