Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) will hang up his Argentina national team jersey following an international friendly between Argentina and Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the 6th of next month. / AFP, Yonhap News

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), the undisputed "God of football" who needs no superlatives, will play his farewell match for the Argentina national team early next month.

According to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on the 15th local time, Messi was named to the Argentina national team roster for an international friendly against Benin, set to be held on the 6th of next month at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

AFA President Claudio Tapia said, "We have decided to invite Lionel Andrés Messi—the world's greatest player, the symbol of our national team, and our captain—so he can have his moment of farewell here in Argentina on October 6."

Having worn the senior Argentina national team jersey since 2005, Messi has netted 125 goals in 207 international appearances, holding the all-time records for both most caps and most goals for Argentina.

Messi led Argentina to glory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, as well as runner-up finishes at the 2014 Brazil World Cup and this year's North America World Cup, while claiming the Ballon d'Or—awarded to the world's best footballer—a record eight times. These achievements underpin evaluations that he has surpassed Argentine football legend Diego Maradona.

After expressing deep disappointment over finishing as runner-up at the North America tournament in an attempt to secure back-to-back World Cup titles, and following the passing of his father last month amid profound grief, Messi announced his international retirement via his social media on the 31st of last month.

                                                                                                           Cho Seong-jun