Lionel Messi to Play Final Argentina Match Against Benin

Argentina captain Lionel Messi is scheduled to play his final match for the national team in an international friendly against Benin on October 6, 2026. The Argentine Football Association announced that the historic fixture will be staged at the famous Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, providing home supporters with a formal occasion to celebrate their long-serving forward’s closing appearance in the national jersey.

The governing body confirmed that the 39-year-old has been included in the squad specifically for the farewell game following his decision to retire from international football. The fixture against the West African side will bring an official conclusion to Messi’s international tenure with the Albiceleste, an era that has spanned more than two decades at the highest level of the global game.

Two Decades of International Football

Across his lengthy tenure representing Argentina, Messi registered 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for his country. His time with the national squad reached its peak when he captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, alongside continental success that yielded Copa América trophies in both 2021 and 2024.

AFA president Claudio Tapia noted that Messi fully deserves to have his retirement match held on home soil. To mark the occasion, the federation has invited members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, along with their families, to attend the Buenos Aires fixture and participate in the farewell celebrations.

Argentina’s international window also includes scheduled fixtures against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3. However, Messi will not feature in either of those earlier friendlies, leaving the October 6 match against Benin as the sole remaining opportunity for supporters to watch the legendary number 10 compete in Argentina colours.

Source: NotJustOk