Argentina national football team head coach Lionel Scaloni has convinced superstar Lionel Messi to return for a formal farewell match, while also addressing the progress regarding his own contract renewal with the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Speaking at the AFA training complex in Ezeiza on Friday (September 25, 2026), Scaloni revealed that despite Messi announcing his international retirement in late August and initially resisting a farewell appearance, the coaching staff and AFA President Claudio Tapia successfully persuaded the Argentine captain to play one final match. Messi is scheduled to wear a special commemorative jersey when Argentina face Benin on October 6 during FIFA's upcoming international window. Scaloni emphasized that a player of Messi's stature deserves a proper send-off on home soil surrounded by Argentine supporters. Regarding his own future as national team manager, Scaloni clarified that contract renewal discussions with AFA President Claudio Tapia are ongoing but yet to be finalized due to scheduling conflicts, promising an official announcement once an agreement is formally reached.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sports Desk • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
