Lionel Messi officially retired from international football on 6 October 2026, bringing an extraordinary 21-year Argentina career to an emotional conclusion.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made his final appearance against Benin, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 victory in Buenos Aires.

Messi departed with 126 goals from 208 international appearances, having inspired Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles.

He almost secured another World Cup this summer, but Argentina suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat against Spain in the final.

Replacing such an influential figure represents an enormous challenge for Lionel Scaloni.

Manchester United previously possessed an exciting Argentine attacker tipped for international stardom.

Alejandro Garnacho idolised Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, even copying the Portuguese legend’s celebrations during his Old Trafford career.

His spectacular bicycle kick against Everton won the 2024 Puskas Award, while he also represented Argentina during their triumphant 2024 Copa America campaign.

However, Garnacho’s career has stalled considerably since leaving United for Chelsea in 2025.

Now on loan at Aston Villa, the winger has played just 34 Premier League minutes across four appearances this season, without registering a goal or assist.

Meanwhile, Argentina have now announced their first squad since Messi’s retirement, with another Manchester United player included.

Argentina officially call up Manchester United star

The Argentine Football Association has officially confirmed that Lisandro Martinez has been selected by Lionel Scaloni for November’s international friendlies.

Argentina will face Uruguay on 13 November at La Bombonera before hosting Costa Rica in Cordoba on 17 November.

Martinez previously shared the pitch with Messi during his farewell against Benin, replacing Nicolas Otamendi at half-time.

The United defender also impressed throughout Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, establishing himself as an important figure in Scaloni’s defence.

However, his club form has recently attracted considerable criticism.

Martinez publicly questioned Jason Wilcox and United’s sporting hierarchy following October’s Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid.

He subsequently received a second yellow card against Chelsea on Saturday after conceding a penalty for a reckless challenge on Wesley Fofana.

The incident contributed to United’s 2-0 defeat, extending Michael Carrick’s winless run to nine matches.

His future has also attracted speculation, with five European clubs reportedly monitoring his situation, including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan.

Nevertheless, Scaloni’s latest selection demonstrates that Martinez remains part of Argentina’s plans as they begin their post-Messi era.