Despite retirement, Lionel Messi may get Argentina home farewell: Report
Lionel Messi could be handed one final opportunity to wear the Argentina shirt in front of his home fans, despite having announced his retirement from international football. Messi's name is reportedly on Lionel Scaloni's preliminary squad list for Argentina's upcoming international friendlies, according to a report from ESPN Argentina. The final 26-man squad is yet to be announced.
The development comes after months of speculation over whether Messi would continue with the national team until the 2028 Copa America. The Argentina captain eventually put those doubts to rest by confirming that his international career was coming to an end.
His reported inclusion now appears to have a different purpose: giving the Argentine icon the farewell he deserves on home soil.
Messi has already left an indelible mark on Argentina's history, featuring in three World Cup finals across four editions of the tournament. After finally lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, he has gone on to cement his status as one of the greatest players in the country's history.
The Argentine Football Association on Tuesday confirmed three friendlies for the upcoming international window. Argentina will begin the run of fixtures against Bolivia on Wednesday, September 30, at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba.
Scaloni's side will then return to Buenos Aires for two matches at the Monumental. They face Burkina Faso on October 3 before taking on Benin three days later on October 6.
What remains uncertain is exactly how much Messi will feature. He could play one of the matches, make brief appearances across multiple games or potentially take part in all three. His presence on the preliminary list, however, points towards Argentina preparing for a farewell rather than the start of another international chapter.
The choice of venues could also prove significant if Messi does take the field.
The Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium can accommodate around 57,000 spectators, potentially giving supporters outside Buenos Aires one last chance to see their hero represent Argentina. The Monumental could provide an even grander setting. River Plate's iconic home has a capacity of 85,018 and is the largest stadium in South America.- EndsPublished By: alan johnPublished On: Sep 16, 2026 01:30 IST
