Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina after being named in Lionel Scaloni’s 29-man squad for the national team’s farewell series.
The 39-year-old had announced his retirement from international football on August 31 but has been included in the squad for the upcoming fixtures.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the squad on Monday night, with the matches expected to mark Messi’s final appearances for the Albiceleste.
Messi has made 207 appearances for Argentina, scoring 125 goals. His most recent outing came in the 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
“There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot,” Messi wrote after the final. “I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give.”
According to the Argentine Football Association, Argentina will play farewell friendlies at the Monumental and Mario Alberto Kempes between September 30 and October 6.
Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin are among the possible opponents for the matches.
Messi’s inclusion means he is expected to have one final opportunity to play for Argentina after 21 years with the national team.
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 android Lionel Messi.
