Argentina fans criticize AFA proposal for Lionel Messi retirement matches
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 11:26 AM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is attempting to organize two final national team matches to provide Lionel Messi with a formal retirement ceremony. The proposed plan features games at the Estadio Monumental and the Estadio Mario Kempes against Burkina Faso and Benin. These specific opponents have drawn significant criticism from fans who argue the caliber of competition is not suitable for a player of Messi’s stature. Supporters expressed preferences for high-profile opponents such as Brazil or Germany to honor the career of the former captain. Messi announced his retirement from the national team following a loss in the FIFA World Cup final earlier this month. It remains unconfirmed whether the player will accept the proposal, as public backlash continues to surround the scheduling of the farewell events.
- •AFA proposes two farewell matches for Lionel Messi against Burkina Faso and Benin.
- •Proposed venues include the Estadio Monumental and the Estadio Mario Kempes.
- •Fans are publicly criticizing the choice of opponents for the retirement tribute.
- •Messi recently announced his retirement from international soccer after a FIFA World Cup final defeat.
- •No official confirmation exists regarding Messi’s acceptance of the AFA proposal.
- 11:26 AMYahoo Sports — ‘What a shame…’ Argentina fans don’t like their tribute idea for Lionel Messi’s final game
"It appears the AFA are proposing a unique idea to give Lionel Messi the proper sendoff from the Argentinian national team that he deserves. Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team just a few weeks ago, following a disappointing loss in the FIFA World Cup final.
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