The decision follows Messi’s announcement in August regarding his retirement from international duty. While his final competitive outing for the national side was the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has organized this specific fixture to ensure a fitting tribute for the captain who led the team to World Cup glory in 2022.
A Celebratory Farewell at Estadio Monumental
In recognition of his contributions, the AFA has extended invitations to every member of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to attend the event. The match will feature current national team regulars, including Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso. However, some notable absences are expected, as clubs have denied release requests for players such as Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina.
To mark the occasion, Messi is set to wear a custom-designed No. 10 jersey. AFA President Claudio Tapia has confirmed that the organization has scheduled both pre-match and post-match ceremonies to honor the forward’s two-decade tenure with the national team.
The Future of the Iconic No. 10 Shirt
The impending retirement of the country’s talisman has sparked widespread debate regarding the future of his iconic No. 10 shirt. While there have been public calls for the AFA to retire the number permanently, officials have yet to reach a definitive conclusion.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the speculation during a recent briefing, emphasizing that no immediate decisions have been finalized. Scaloni stated that the number will not be assigned to any player until after Messi’s farewell match has concluded, noting that the federation will evaluate the situation following the event. For now, the focus remains on the tribute match, which serves as the final chapter for a player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport.
