Scaloni Reveals He Pushed Hard for Messi's Final Argentina Farewell Match on October 6 in Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES — Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni revealed he personally pushed to bring Lionel Messi back for one final appearance with the national team, arranging a farewell match against Benin at Monumental Stadium on October 6, despite Messi having already announced his international retirement following this summer's World Cup.

Messi announced his retirement from international football after Argentina's 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, closing out a career with the national team that stands as one of the most decorated in the sport's history. He retires as Argentina's all-time leading appearance-maker with 207 caps and its all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, while having captained the team to the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa America championships.

Messi's World Cup record stands alone across several statistical categories. The 39-year-old has played more World Cup games, 34, and registered more World Cup goal involvements, 33, including 12 assists, than any other player in the tournament's history. Only Kylian Mbappe, with 22 goals, has scored more World Cup goals than Messi's own tally of 21. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also leads the all-time World Cup charts in shots, with 140, shots on target, with 64, chances created, with 99, and dribbles completed, with 250.

Despite his retirement announcement, Messi was called up to Scaloni's most recent Argentina squad and will make one final appearance for his country against Benin. Scaloni explained the reasoning behind bringing Messi back for the occasion. "I believe that a player like him deserves this. Personally, I did my part because I wanted to be at his farewell," Scaloni told reporters.

Scaloni acknowledged uncertainty about his own future with the national team factored into the urgency of arranging the match now rather than waiting. "Since I don't know if I would be here later, we pushed hard so that he could be in this match," Scaloni said. He described Messi's willingness to participate despite the demands already placed on him this year. "We knew everything he was going through and even so, he put in the desire and effort to want to come and be able to say goodbye to the people who love him so much."

Scaloni framed the timing of the tribute as essential, given the uncertainty of arranging a similar occasion in the future. "If we have to pay tribute, we have to do it at........

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