AFA hopes Benin and Burkina Faso can tempt Messi to one last dance in Argentina

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is eager to persuade Lionel Messi to make a final appearance for Argentina, despite the football legend announcing his retirement from international football. The AFA is planning two friendlies for the Argentina national team, potentially marking Messi's farewell on home soil. The matches are scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires at the Monumental stadium and in Córdoba at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium.

The proposed games would fall within the next FIFA international window, which runs from September 21 to October 6. Burkina Faso and Benin are reportedly the potential opponents for Argentina in these matches. The AFA hopes that the opportunity to play against these teams will entice Messi to consider putting his retirement plans on hold for one last time.

Burkina Faso, while not the strongest side, has a commendable history, having finished second at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and third in 2017. Benin, on the other hand, has been a less formidable opponent, having participated in the Africa Cup of Nations just five times, with their best result coming in 2019 when they reached the quarter-finals.

For Argentina, these matches are primarily an opportunity to celebrate Messi's extraordinary international career in front of his loyal supporters. The matches could also provide a chance for the football icon to earn a few more million dollars playing in front of his home crowd. Despite Messi announcing his retirement on August 31, the AFA seems determined to make an exception and organize these special friendlies.