Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina's squad for a farewell appearance with the national team, with the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) confirming the forward will bow out in a friendly against Benin on 6 October at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental.
The match will be the final chapter of Messi's international career after he stepped away from international football following his side's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. The Inter Miami forward, who also revealed he had been weighing up his future in the game after the death of his father, Jorge, admitted the decision to end his Argentina career was painful.
"It hurt deeply," Messi said of his retirement, adding that he had "given it my all" and felt he had "nothing left to give" at international level.
AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed the invitation for Messi to take part in one last match wearing the Albiceleste jersey, describing him as the outstanding talent of his generation. "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," Tapia said. He went on to call the occasion "unforgettable" for Argentine football supporters.
Messi's career in Argentina colours has been decorated with individual and collective honours. He stands as the country's record scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals from 207 appearances, and led the team to World Cup glory as captain. He has also collected the Ballon d'Or on eight occasions, cementing his status as one of the sport's greatest performers.
The farewell fixture against Benin forms part of a series of three home friendlies Argentina will play during the FIFA international window running from 21 September to 6 October, their first matches since the World Cup. The squad will first face Bolivia at Córdoba's Mario Kempes Stadium on 30 September, a fixture that will be played at 50% stadium capacity because of FIFA sanctions tied to incidents during the World Cup. Argentina will then host Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on 3 October before the Benin clash three days later.
AFA noted that teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will also be part of the squad for the Benin match, while additional call-ups from Argentina's domestic league were expected to be announced separately.
Some of Argentina's World Cup-winning squad members have also received invitations to attend the farewell occasion at the Monumental, which holds roughly 85,000 spectators.
Meanwhile, several Argentina players face suspensions stemming from an on-field confrontation following the World Cup final against Spain. Leandro Paredes was handed a 10-match ban, Nahuel Molina will sit out seven matches, and Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension.
In related news from South American football, Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez has also announced his retirement from international duty. The 35-year-old, who earned 131 caps and starred at the 2014 World Cup by winning the Golden Boot with six goals, expressed gratitude for his time representing Colombia. "Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear and every dream we shared. Defending the colours of the Colombia national team was one of the greatest honours of my life," Rodriguez said in a video shared on social media. He recently agreed a deal with Atletico Nacional after departing MLS side Minnesota United.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and BBC Sport Football.