Lionel Messi announces final international match for Argentina

Lionel Messi has announced that he will play his final match for the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026. The 39-year-old football star will make his 208th appearance for his country in a friendly game against Benin, scheduled to take place at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.

In collaboration with Adidas, Messi unveiled a special commemorative jersey for the occasion. The kit features his name and the number 10 in gold, alongside a subtle 'Sol de Mayo' emblem, which symbolizes the nation's independence and birth. Throughout his legendary career with the national team, Messi has scored 125 goals and achieved significant honors, including winning the 2024 World Cup, two Copa America titles, the Finalissima, and a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.

This final match serves as a formal farewell for the superstar, marking the conclusion of his international playing career. While the sporting world awaits this historic final appearance at the Monumental, the event is widely recognized as the end of an era for Argentine football.