Lionel Messi set for emotional Argentina farewell in Buenos Aires
Argentina coach says Messi deserves to go out on own terms
Ezeiza: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced on Thursday that next month's friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires will provide Lionel Messi with his desired farewell. The match, scheduled for October 6 at River Plate's Estadio Monumental, will allow the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to bid adieu in the manner he chooses.
Coached by Scaloni, whose Argentina team narrowly missed out on the 2026 World Cup final to Spain, Messi made his international retirement known at the end of August, turning 39. Despite his retirement, the coach included him in the squad for the farewell game, aiming to provide Messi with one last display in front of his beloved Argentina fans.
Scaloni, who led Argentina to its third World Cup title in 2022, emphasized his role in ensuring Messi would have a final appearance before the national team. He stressed that he would do everything possible to enable Messi to participate in this significant match. The Argentine Football Association president, Claudio Tapia, is yet to discuss Scaloni's future as the national team coach.
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