09/15/26 03:51:00
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09/15 15:50 CDT Lionel Messi added to Argentina's roster for Oct. 6 friendly
that team says will be farewell match
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.
Despite announcing his international retirement, the 39-year-old Inter Miami
star was included Tuesday in Lionel Scaloni's 28-man Argentina squad ahead of
upcoming home friendlies.
Messi has yet to confirm whether he will join the team.
"After a conversation with senior national team coach Lionel Scaloni, we
decided to invite the best player in the world --- our icon, our captain Lionel
Messi --- so that he can have the farewell he deserves on October 6," said
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association.
Tapia stated that Messi accepted the invitation for the Oct. 6 game against
Benin.
"Furthermore, having received Lionel's acceptance, we want to invite all the
Qatar World Cup champions to join him, along with their families, to witness
the ?last tango' of the world's best player."
Argentina announced that they will face Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin in its
first batch of friendly matches following the retirement of Messi from the
national team.
The Argentine Football Association said Tuesday the home match against Bolivia
will take place Sept. 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Crdoba. It
marks the Albiceleste's return home following its runner-up finish at the World
Cup.
The Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires will host the friendlies against Burkina
Faso and Benin on Oct. 3 and Oct. 6, respectively.
Messi recently retired from international duty after a 21-year spell with the
national team that included winning the 2022 World Cup.
Focus also turns to the future of coach Lionel Scaloni, whose contract expires
in December. Scaloni hinted he might step down following the 1--0 loss to Spain
in the World Cup final on July 19.
Argentina expects to release its roster in the coming days.
Three Argentina players --- Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada
--- were recently handed bans by FIFA for a scuffle after losing the the World
Cup final. Paredes received a 10-match ban.
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