Argentina considers farewell match for Lionel Messi after international retirement

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates at the end of the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match against the Netherlands in Lusail, Qatar, Dec. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan, File)

Lionel Messi may have already played his final competitive match for Argentina, but reports suggest his farewell to the national team could still have one more chapter. Messi confirmed his retirement from international football in a lengthy post on social media, with the 2026 World Cup final against Spain expected to mark the end of his Argentina career. Yet Argentina could organise a special farewell match for their captain during the next FIFA international window. Nothing has been confirmed, and the Argentine Football Association would first need to establish whether Messi himself wants to take part, but the possibility is already being discussed. If it happens, it could give Argentina's supporters the chance to say goodbye to their greatest player on home soil.

Argentina could organise Messi farewell match

According to reports from Argentina, the AFA is considering arranging a farewell appearance for Messi during the next FIFA international window, which runs from September 21 to October 6. The federation is expected to organise two or three friendly matches, with some reports suggesting Argentina could play as many as three or four during the window. The opponents, dates and venues have not yet been confirmed. Argentine journalist Pablo Gravellone of Todo Noticias reported that all signs point towards Messi playing his final Argentina match at home. A potential venue is Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where Argentina regularly plays its home matches. There is also a possibility of the national team taking the occasion to Rosario, Messi's hometown, although that is considered less likely. TNT Sports Argentina's Maximiliano Grillo reported: "Argentina are working to arrange two or three friendly matches in September. The games are expected to be played in Buenos Aires, Cordoba and/or Rosario, with the opponents yet to be confirmed." That leaves plenty still to be decided. There is currently no confirmed opponent, match date or venue for a Messi farewell, and the idea remains at the reporting stage rather than an official AFA announcement. Most importantly, Argentina would first need to speak to Messi and determine whether he is willing to return for the occasion.

Messi's World Cup farewell may not have been his last

The possibility of another appearance comes only days after Messi announced his international retirement. On August 31, the Inter Miami star confirmed that he had decided to end his Argentina career after a remarkable 207-cap international career, during which he scored 125 goals and won six major titles, most notably the 2022 World Cup. His decision followed Argentina's 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, which appeared to bring his international career to a close. A farewell match would therefore be very different from another competitive fixture. Argentina would not be trying to give Messi one more tournament run; instead, the occasion would allow the player and supporters to formally close a chapter that ended in very different circumstances in the World Cup final.

Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) reacts after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

It would also allow Messi to say goodbye in front of Argentine supporters rather than ending his international career thousands of miles from home. Messi remains an active professional footballer at club level with Inter Miami, with his contract extending beyond this international retirement. That means there is no immediate issue surrounding his fitness or ability to play another match should he agree to the idea.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, left, and defender Maximiliano Falcon (37) celebrate after midfielder Casemiro (5) scored the side's first goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against CF Montreal, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

The proposed farewell would also not necessarily resemble a traditional retirement exhibition, where former teammates and friends gather for a ceremonial game. The reports point instead towards Messi appearing for Argentina in an official international friendly, potentially wearing the captain's armband one final time. For now, though, that remains dependent on discussions that have yet to take place.Read Next: Argentina ready to hand Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt to 21-year-old star if Scaloni stays

Argentina still have to decide who replaces Messi as captain

While the possibility of one final Messi appearance is being discussed, Argentina also have to begin preparing for life without the captain who has led them through one of the most successful periods in their history. Cristian Romero appears to be one of the leading candidates to inherit the armband. The defender has already captained Argentina on several occasions when Messi was unavailable and is regarded as a natural leader within the squad. He is not the only possibility. Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez and Enzo Fernández have also been mentioned as potential successors because of their experience, importance to the team and standing within the dressing room. There is another complication, however.

Join conversation

Share your thoughts in the comments

Be respectful · TOI community guidelines

Nicolas Otamendi, who had generally taken the captain's armband whenever Messi was not in the starting XI, had already announced his retirement from international football immediately after the World Cup. That means Argentina enter their next era without the usual succession option that had existed behind Messi. A farewell match could therefore provide an unusual moment for the transition. Messi could potentially lead Argentina one last time before the armband officially passes to a new generation. But until the AFA confirms its plans, even that remains uncertain. And there is one more question waiting for the next generation: who wears the No.10 after Messi? Reports have suggested Nico Paz could be the preferred choice, but only if Lionel Scaloni renews his contract as Argentina head coach. That decision is expected to be discussed in the coming months, meaning even Messi's eventual successor remains tied to what happens with Scaloni.

End of Article