Argentinean football icon Lionel Messi will close the curtain on his illustrious international career when the South American giants play host to Benin in what promises to be an emotionally-charged friendly next week.
The Inter Miami star has enjoyed a glittering and record-breaking career on the international stage, scoring an unprecedented 125 goals in 207 senior appearances for his country.
Messi, of course, captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, scoring a brace in a pulsating 3-3 draw with France in the showpiece final before netting from the spot as Lionel Scaloni's men prevailed via a tense and dramatic penalty shootout.
The former Barcelona sensation had hoped to further cement his name into football folklore by leading the South American side to a second successive crowning in the United States earlier this year, but came up agonisingly short as Spain sealed their second title in New York.
In a statement released a few weeks following the defeat, Messi claimed he had "nothing left to give" on the international stage.
"Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply," he said.
"I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the national team.
"I've given it my all, I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some really great young players coming through behind me who deserve their chance."
Whilst many had expected to have seen the fabled number 10 don the iconic light blue and white jersey for the final time, it's now been confirmed that he will take to the field in a special tribute match during the current international fixture window.
Messi has been included in Scaloni's squad for their upcoming triple-header with Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, although it's been confirmed that he will not feature in either of the first two fixtures -- both of which are being played in front of a limited number of supporters because of sanctions received during the World Cup.
Instead, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will start the final match with Benin at the near 86,000 capacity Estadio Monumental; the fabled home of River Plate in the early hours of Wednesday 7th October (00:00 BST), with the match being shown live in the UK and Ireland on Premier Sports 2.
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia explained the decision to involve Messi in the squad earlier this month.
He said: “To all the fans of Argentina, I want to communicate that after a conversation we had with national team manager, Lionel Scaloni, we’ve decided to invite the best player in the world, the icon of our national team, our captain Lionel Messi, so that he can receive the goodbye he truly deserves on Oct. 6, here, in Argentina."
The Rosario-born star has already arrived in his homeland after scoring a stunning free-kick in Miami's 2-1 MLS defeat against Columbus Crew on Monday.
His effort represented a 76th career set-piece goal, meaning he is now just two shy of the all-time mark held by the legendary Brazilian, Marcelino Carioca -- another record the forward will have his eyes set on before retiring from domestic action.
