Lionel Messi was not part of Argentina’s lineup for their friendly against Burkina Faso, with the captain being kept out as the national team prepares for an emotional farewell to its legendary No. 10.
Messi’s absence from the match was understood to be part of Argentina’s plans rather than the result of a suspension or a fresh injury. The 39-year-old forward is expected to return for Argentina’s next fixture, when the world champions face Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on October 6.
That match is set to become a major occasion for Argentine football, as it is expected to mark Messi’s final appearance for the national side. After more than two decades representing Argentina, the veteran forward is preparing to bring his international career to a close.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has been managing Messi’s involvement during the current international window, with the priority being his availability for the planned farewell. Messi had already missed Argentina’s previous fixture against Bolivia and was again left out for the meeting with Burkina Faso.
Without their captain, Argentina used the friendly as an opportunity to give other members of the squad valuable playing time. Scaloni was able to experiment with his attacking options and assess players who could take on greater responsibilities as the team eventually moves into a post-Messi era.
The result was emphatic. Argentina produced a dominant display and defeated Burkina Faso 7-0, giving the world champions another convincing victory despite Messi watching from the sidelines. The performance also provided several players with the chance to make an impression ahead of future international campaigns.
The Burkina Faso side arrived under difficult circumstances, with reports highlighting problems during the team’s preparations and travel. Delays affected the visitors’ plans, while several experienced players were reportedly unavailable. The situation contributed to a relatively youthful Burkina Faso squad taking on the reigning world champions.
For Argentina, however, the result was secondary to the bigger story surrounding Messi. His impending retirement from international football has generated enormous attention among supporters, many of whom are preparing to watch their captain make his final appearance in the famous blue-and-white shirt.
Messi’s international career has already secured his place among Argentina’s greatest sporting figures. He played a central role in the team’s Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024 before finally achieving the ultimate prize at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The forward is also Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and one of the country’s most-capped players. His journey with the national team has included difficult periods as well as historic successes, eventually culminating in a period of unprecedented achievement.
The upcoming meeting with Benin is therefore expected to carry far greater significance than a regular international friendly. Supporters at the Monumental are preparing to celebrate Messi’s extraordinary contribution to the national team and give him a final opportunity to represent Argentina on home soil.
Although fans did not see Messi against Burkina Faso, his absence was widely viewed as a carefully managed decision. Argentina avoided unnecessary risk and preserved its captain for the farewell event that has become the central focus of the international window.
With the Burkina Faso match now complete, attention shifts toward October 6. Messi is expected to return to the Argentina squad for the encounter with Benin, where the spotlight will once again be firmly on the legendary forward.
For Argentine supporters, the occasion will be more than another match. It will represent the closing chapter of Messi’s remarkable international journey and an opportunity to honor a player who helped transform some of the country’s most long-awaited football dreams into reality.
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