New Delhi, 16 September (H.S.):

Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has been included in Argentina’s squad for the international friendlies to be played in October, just weeks after announcing his retirement from international football. Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia has confirmed that Messi has been invited to play a farewell match for the national team.

Tapia said in a social media post, “We have invited the best player in the world, the icon and captain of our team, Lionel Messi, to play on October 6 for a well-deserved farewell with his national team in Argentina.”

Argentina will play three home friendlies during the October international window. Messi is expected to feature in the match against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6. Before that, Argentina will face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3.

Messi recently announced his retirement from international football. As a result, the October 6 fixture could provide the legendary forward with an opportunity to bid farewell to the national team while wearing the Argentina jersey.

Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada will not be available for Argentina. The three players are serving lengthy suspensions following a dispute involving Spanish players after the World Cup final.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar