Lionel Messi is included in Argentina’s squad for a friendly against Benin next month, which is expected to mark his final appearance for the national team.
Messi, 39, announced his international retirement in August after a two-decade career with Argentina.
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia said Messi would receive the farewell he deserves when Argentina face Benin at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires next month.
“We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves,” Tapia said.
Messi is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina. He is the country’s record goalscorer with 125 goals.
Tapia has also invited members of Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad to attend the farewell.
Argentina will begin their friendly schedule against Bolivia in Cordoba on 30 September before facing Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires. The Benin match will complete the series.
Messi’s international career includes winning the Copa America and World Cup with Argentina.
The upcoming matches will also be affected by disciplinary sanctions imposed after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes is serving a 10-match ban, while defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension and Thiago Almada a one-match ban.
FIFA has also ordered Argentina to play their next home match at 50% stadium capacity over breaches of its disciplinary code.
