Lionel Messi Set for Final Argentina Match as Coach Scaloni Hints at Future

Argentina coach Lionel Samual Scaloni confirmed that the upcoming friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires on October 6 will be Lionel Messi's final match in the national team jersey. Messi announced his retirement from international football in late August. Scaloni spoke at a news conference on Thursday, stating that a player of Messi's stature deserves a proper farewell while he is still active on the pitch. The 39-year-old forward finished his international career as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including eight scored during his sixth World Cup appearance where he played all eight matches. The Inter Miami star also holds the record for winning eight Ballon d'Or awards and is nominated for the upcoming prize on October 26. Scaloni called coaching Messi a dream and the ultimate experience of his career. Meanwhile, Scaloni's own future as head coach remains uncertain as his contract expires in December following the team's loss in the World Cup final. Scaloni stated he is willing to talk with Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia about a possible contract extension, though multiple factors still need to be discussed. Players, including the new team captain Cristian Romero, have publicly asked the coach to stay. Argentina is scheduled to play friendly matches against Bolivia on September 30 in Córdoba, Burkina Faso on October 3, and Benin on October 6 at Monumental Stadium. Scaloni included several young players in the squad to begin the team transition following the international retirements of Messi, defender Nicolás Otamendi, and other senior players. The new call-ups feature defenders Tomás Palacios, Román Vega, and Valentín Gómez, midfielders Tobías Andrada, Ezequiel Fernández, and Santiago Simón, alongside winger Leonel Flores.