Lisandro Martinez Joins Argentina Squad for Messi’s Buenos Aires Farewell
Lisandro Martinez has joined Argentina’s 37-player squad in Buenos Aires as the world champions prepare for a run of home friendlies and Lionel Messi’s planned farewell appearance in the capital.
The defender arrived on Tuesday morning and acknowledged that the squad are still carrying the disappointment of their World Cup final loss to Spain. Martinez said Argentina’s players must nevertheless turn their attention towards giving their captain a memorable occasion in front of home support.
Quick facts
- Martinez reported for Argentina duty in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
- Lionel Scaloni has selected a 37-man group for the camp.
- Argentina will play Bolivia and Burkina Faso at home before facing Benin on October 6.
- Messi’s send-off is set for a sold-out Estadio Monumental.
- The entire 2022 World Cup-winning group and their families have been invited.
Martinez said the final defeat remains painful, despite Argentina’s overall level during the tournament. “There is a lot of hurt,” he said, adding that the team’s work across the competition should also be recognised.
“We had a very good World Cup, of course, but losing the final hurts every one of us,” the centre-back added. He said the players now want to enjoy being back in Argentina and focus on the coming fixtures.
The Argentine Football Association is preparing a major tribute for Messi at the Monumental, where every ticket has been sold. AFA president Claudio Tapia said the occasion had been arranged so the national-team captain, described as the world’s best player, can receive the recognition he merits.
Argentina have also invited the full squad that won the 2022 World Cup, along with their families, to attend the event in Buenos Aires.
Scaloni’s group have started closed training sessions before their matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. The schedule will finish with the emotionally charged fixture against Benin on October 6, when Messi is expected to make his farewell appearance on home soil.
The Argentina coach is due to speak to the media on September 29, when he is expected to outline his selection and plans for the three matches.
