Lionel Messi's 'last dance' for Argentina: What we know about farewell international appearance

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football last month, saying he had "nothing left to give" to the Argentina national team.

Messi completed a long and arduous quest for World Cup glory in 2022 when he led Argentina to an unforgettable triumph in Qatar.

Under head coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi also tasted glory at the 2021 and 2024 Copas America.

MORE: 'Nothing left to give': Why Lionel Messi is retiring from Argentina but remaining with Inter Miami

A bid for back-to-back World Cup successes came up agonisingly short as Messi scored eight goals and laid on four assists before La Albiceleste lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.

"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply," Messi said. "I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.

"I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance."

However, it looks like there will be one last dance, with Messi getting the chance to say farewell to his adoring public.

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Lionel Messi farewell match for Argentina: What we know

Messi has been included in Argentina's squad for the upcoming international break, when Scaloni's team will play friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin.

The 39-year-old will only feature in the match against Benin.

The same applies to Giovani Lo Celso and Messi's Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, which has prompted speculation around the international futures of his fellow World Cup winners.

When is Messi's last match for Argentina?

Argentina host Benin on Tuesday, October 6.

The match will take place at River Plate's 85,000-capacity Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

“We would like to announce that, following a discussion with national team coach, Lionel Scaloni, we have decided to invite the world’s best player, the icon of our national team, our captain Lionel Messi, so that he can receive the send-off he truly deserves on October 6 here in Argentina,” the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) said in a statement.

"Furthermore, having received Lionel’s acceptance, we are inviting all the world champions who played alongside him at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to join him, together with their families, for what will be an unforgettable match for all Argentinians who support the national team, as they watch the world’s best player’s last dance.”

Messi is Argentina's all-time record appearance maker and goalscorer with 208 caps and 125 goals.