Messi’s five-point contribution secured a big win for Inter Miami against Montreal. Photo: Global Look Press
Lionel Messi has been included in the Argentina squad for upcoming friendly matches. This was announced on the Argentine Football Association (AFA) website.
In late August, Messi announced his retirement from the national team. The Argentine revealed that he had made this decision on July 21—two days after the World Cup final. In September, media reports indicated that the AFA was considering inviting Messi to upcoming matches to honor his contributions to the national team.
During the international break, Argentina will play three home friendlies. Lionel Scaloni’s team will face Bolivia on September 30, Burkina Faso on October 3, and Benin on October 6.
The statement notes that Messi, along with Rodrigo de Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, will join the squad in time for the third match. Zenit St. Petersburg defender Roman Vega has received his first-ever call-up to the Argentina national team.
Messi is 39 years old. He is the all-time leading scorer for the Spanish league, Barcelona, and the Argentina national team, as well as the only player in history to win the Ballon d’Or eight times. He has played 207 matches and scored 125 goals for the national team. With the squad, Messi has won the Copa América twice (2021, 2024), the 2022 World Cup, and the Finalissima (2022), while also claiming World Cup silver twice (2014, 2026).
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