Messi called up to Argentina squad for Benin match — Korea Herald
In Argentina, footballer Lionel Messi has been included in the national team squad for three home friendly matches. Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia said that the game against Benin on October 6 in Buenos Aires is set to be the farewell match for the 39-year-old Inter Miami player in the national team.
Invitation to the farewell match
Messi was included in the 28-player squad formed by head coach Lionel Scaloni ahead of the series of friendlies. As Korea Herald reports, Messi himself has not yet confirmed whether he will join the team, but Tapia said the footballer accepted the invitation for the October 6 match.
According to the association president, the decision to invite Messi was made after his conversation with Scaloni. Tapia called the footballer an icon and the team captain and noted that they also plan to invite all the 2022 World Cup champions in Qatar along with their families for the farewell.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Friendly match schedule
Argentina will play Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba. The matches against Burkina Faso and Benin will take place on October 3 and 6, respectively, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
According to the publication, Messi announced his retirement from the national team after 21 years with the side. He led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup and helped it reach the final of the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni's contract with the national team expires in December; after a 0:1 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, he hinted at a possible resignation.
