Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been named in the national team’s 29-man squad for what are expected to be his final international appearances, following his decision to retire from international football.
The 39-year-old announced on August 31 that he would step away from international duty, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year career with the Albiceleste. However, head coach Lionel Scaloni has included the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in the squad for Argentina’s farewell series.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the squad announcement on Monday, with the upcoming matches set to serve as Messi’s official farewell in Argentina colours.
Messi leaves behind one of the greatest international careers in football history, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for his country. His last competitive outing came in Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Reflecting on his retirement after the World Cup, Messi wrote: “There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give.”
According to the Argentine Football Association, Argentina will play farewell friendlies between September 30 and October 6 at the Monumental Stadium and the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium.
Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin are among the countries being considered as opponents for the farewell fixtures.
The matches will offer fans one last chance to watch Messi represent Argentina before he officially brings the curtain down on an illustrious international career that included winning the FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles and the Finalissima.
Argentina squad: Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Agustin Giay, Leonardo Balerdi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Juan Foyth, Facundo Medina, Nicolas Tagliafico, Roman Vega, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Rodrigo De Paul, Nicolas Paz, Franco Mastantuono, Matias Soule, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Gonzalez, Gianluca Prestiani, Jose Manuel Lopez, Santiago Castro, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi.
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