Messi Set For Argentina Farewell Against Nigeria’s Neighbours Despite Retirement

Messi Set for Argentina Farewell Against Nigeria’s Neighbours Despite Retirement Lionel Messi is set to make a final appearance for Argentina despite recently announcing his retirement from international football, with the legendary forward invited to feature in a farewell friendly against Nigeria’s West African neighbours, Benin, in October. The Argentine Football Association AFA confirmed that Messi has been included in the squad for the country’s upcoming international fixtures, with his farewell scheduled for October 6, 2026, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

However, the 39-year-old has accepted an invitation from the AFA to return for one final appearance in Argentina colours. AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed that Messi had been invited to play in what will be an official farewell before the captain brings his international career to a close. The match against Benin will take place at River Plate’s Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6. Argentina are scheduled to play three home friendlies during the upcoming international window. The world champions will first face Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba before taking on Burkina Faso on October 3 in Buenos Aires. The final fixture against Benin on October 6 will provide the occasion for Messi’s farewell. Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have been specifically confirmed to participate in the final friendly, according to the AFA. Messi’s international career has lasted more than 20 years and includes some of the most significant achievements in Argentine football. He captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar and also helped the team reach the World Cup final in 2014 and 2026. He also won the Copa América and the Finalissima with Argentina during his international career. The forward leaves the national team as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with reports putting his international tally at 207 appearances and 125 goals. Messi’s international career also included several memorable encounters with Nigeria.He faced the Super Eagles four times at senior level and scored three goals against Nigeria, including a brace during Argentina’s 3–2 victory at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Their most recent meeting came during the 2026 World Cup, when Argentina defeated Nigeria 1–0. His final Argentina appearance against Nigeria therefore came shortly before his retirement announcement, adding another chapter to a long-running football rivalry between the two nations. The AFA has also invited members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to attend the farewell occasion. The October 6 match is expected to mark Messi’s final competitive association with the Argentina national team, following his decision to retire after the 2026 World Cup. For Nigerian football followers, the farewell will also bring renewed attention to Messi’s long history against African opposition, particularly his four senior meetings with the Super Eagles.