Who are Argentina playing in Lionel Messi's retirement match?

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FT Desk

Lionel Messi recently announced his retirement from international football after a stellar career with Argentina.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made his debut for the national team on 17 August 2005 against Hungary and it proved to be a dramatic start to his international career, as he was sent off less than a minute after coming on.

Despite that difficult beginning, Messi became the heart of the Argentina team and eventually their captain, breaking records for both appearances and goals.

His international career had plenty of disappointments before the success finally came. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final and several Copa America finals, but Messi never gave up. He eventually helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America.

"I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give," Messi wrote on Instagram earlier this month, confirming his international retirement.

"It was a decision that hurt -- and still hurts deep down -- but I understand that the time has come."

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Ultimately, his decision does not come as a surprise as he will turn 40 next year, while in August he hinted that retirement was not too far away as he mourned the death of his father, Jorge.

There is still one more match to come in the famous sky blue and white, as he'll be given a send-off in a friendly against Benin at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires in October.

"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 on 6 October here in Argentina," said Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia.

Argentina were actually ordered to play their next two home matches with 50% capacity for breaches of the FIFA disciplinary code during the World Cup. Their players displayed a banner with a message about the Falkland Islands following the semi-final victory against England.

However, one of those matches was suspended so the 85,000 capacity of the Estadio Monumental can be filled, with fans desperate for one last glimpse of Messi in an Argentina kit.