Messi to Wear Argentina Shirt One Last Time in Farewell Friendly vs Benin
Lionel Messi will play his final international match for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires this week. The move follows his retirement from international football after winning the 2022 World Cup, capping a 208-cap career.
TL;DR Lionel Messi has been invited back to the Argentina national team for a final, celebratory match against Benin in Buenos Aires this week, marking his official farewell to international football.
Key Points - Messi will play his final international match against Benin in a friendly in Buenos Aires. - He has made 208 appearances for the Argentina national team. - His last competitive match was the 2022 World Cup final, which Argentina won. - The appearance is a celebratory runout after his announced retirement from international football.
What We Know According to The Guardian, Messi was invited back for this specific celebratory runout following his decision to retire from international football after the World Cup final. The article notes that while he has retired before, most notably in 2016, this time is framed as a completion of his journey rather than an obligation.
Why It Matters This match provides a definitive conclusion to Messi's international career, allowing both the player and the Argentine football establishment to formally close a chapter that culminated in World Cup glory. It serves as a symbolic send-off for a career that saw him overcome previous heartbreaks in major finals.
What Happens Next The friendly match against Benin is scheduled to take place this week in Buenos Aires. Speculation suggests this will be the final public appearance for Messi in the Argentina jersey, bringing his 208-cap international career to a definitive end.
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