Lionel Messi Set for Argentina Farewell in One Last International Appearance

Lionel Messi is reportedly set to return to the Argentina national team for a farewell appearance despite having announced his retirement from international football following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Reports from several outlets indicate that Argentina are considering bringing the 39-year-old captain back for upcoming international friendlies, potentially giving the country’s most decorated footballer an opportunity to make a final appearance in the famous blue and white shirt.

Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, ending a 21-year international career. His decision came after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, bringing an end to a remarkable era that included the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.

The proposed return would therefore not represent a reversal of his retirement, but rather a ceremonial farewell that could allow Messi to share the pitch with his former international teammates one more time.

Argentina are reportedly preparing friendly matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, with the games being discussed as possible farewell occasions for Messi. However, reports stress that the farewell fixtures and Messi’s participation had not been officially confirmed by the Argentine Football Association at the time of publication.

Messi’s potential final appearance would bring an emotional conclusion to one of the most successful international careers in football history.

The Inter Miami forward leaves international football as Argentina’s record goalscorer and one of the country’s most-capped players. His career with the national team included the 2021 Copa América title, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup, before Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final.

His retirement has already triggered tributes across the football world, with Argentina now preparing for life without the player who has worn the captain’s armband and No. 10 shirt for much of the country’s recent golden era.

If the proposed farewell goes ahead, Messi could have one final opportunity to receive a national-team send-off from Argentina supporters before fully closing the international chapter of his career.