In a stunning twist in world football, Lionel Messi is back in Argentina colours just weeks after announcing his international retirement.
The Argentine Football Association confirmed on Tuesday that the icon, the captain, the greatest to ever wear the Albiceleste shirt, has been called up for one final, emotional farewell on home soil.
One Last Dance at the Monumental
The stage is set for a night of tears and thunder. AFA President Claudio Tapia announced the blockbuster return on social media, saying: “We invited the best player in the world to play, the icon of our selection, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, to have a deserved farewell on October 6, here in Argentina.”
That farewell will come against Benin at Buenos Aires’ iconic Monumental Stadium on October 6, the final match of Argentina’s three-game home series in the September 21-October 6 FIFA window. It will be their first outing since the World Cup final defeat to Spain in July.
It will not be just a friendly. It will be a national goodbye to the man who gave everything.
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A Farewell Tour Charged With Emotion
Argentina’s homecoming will be a rollercoaster. They open against Bolivia at Cordoba’s Mario Kempes Stadium on September 30 in a match already overshadowed by FIFA sanctions, with capacity slashed by 50% for incidents during the World Cup.
They then host Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3, before the grand finale.
The drama deepens with the absences of World Cup warriors Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada, who must serve suspensions of 10, seven and one match respectively for their roles in the explosive altercation after the final against Spain.
The Final Squad
For the last dance, Messi will not be alone. The AFA confirmed midfield generals Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will join him for the October 6 farewell.
The full squad mixes legends and new blood: Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez all feature alongside rising stars Franco Mastantuono and Nicolas Paz.
One more time, Messi will lead Argentina out.
