The Argentine Football Association has officially included Lionel Messi in the squad for an upcoming international friendly against Benin, scheduled for October. While the association has not issued a formal retirement announcement, the match is being widely reported as Messi’s farewell to international football.

Messi, who has led Argentina to multiple major tournament victories, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, remains a central figure in the team's current setup. The inclusion of the veteran forward suggests he will play a role in this specific fixture, marking a significant moment for the national program. The match against Benin is expected to draw substantial attention from fans and media alike, given the stature of the player and the implications of the event as a potential career milestone.

While the BBC reports the match as a definitive farewell, the lack of an official statement from Messi himself leaves some ambiguity regarding his long-term future with the national team beyond this specific friendly. The logistics of the match and the specific role Messi will play remain subject to team management decisions as the October date approaches.