Lionel Messi Added to Argentina’s Roster for Oct. 6 Friendly That Team Says Will Be Farewell Match
BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Lionel Messi might have one last dance with Argentina after all.
Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Inter Miami star, has been added to Argentina's 28-man squad for three home friendlies following his announced international retirement. The matches, against Benin on October 6, Burkina Faso on October 3, and Bolivia on September 30, will mark a farewell for the revered player. Argentina's president, Claudio Tapia, confirmed Messi's inclusion following a conversation with head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, will have his 'last tango' against Benin in Buenos Aires. Additionally, three Argentina players—Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada—received FIFA bans for a scuffle during their World Cup final defeat to Spain. As the head coach's contract expires in December, speculation surrounds Scaloni's future with the national team.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
