Lionel Messi Farewell Match: Argentina Star to Make Final International Appearance Against Benin on October 6
Football legend Lionel Messi, aged 39, is scheduled for his final international appearance for Argentina in an emotional friendly against Benin on October 6, 2026. The match will take place at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which has a capacity of 85,018 spectators.
Buenos Aires is set to witness a historic moment in football as Lionel Messi prepares to grace the pitch for the final time in an Argentina jersey. The football icon, aged 39, has been named in the squad for a friendly against Benin on October 6, 2026, a match designated as his farewell appearance following his emotional international retirement announcement in August. Lionel Messi Reportedly Agrees Deal to Buy La Liga 2 Club CD Eldense.
Messi's decision to retire from international duty came after Argentina's heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and the recent passing of his father. Despite previously announcing his departure, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) extended an invitation for a fitting send-off, which Messi has accepted.
The Farewell Match Details
The highly anticipated encounter will take place at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, a venue capable of hosting 85,018 spectators. While a specific start time has not yet been announced, the match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The AFA has also extended an invitation to all members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad to join Messi for what is expected to be an unforgettable occasion.
This will mark the first-ever meeting between the senior national teams of Argentina and Benin. Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia confirmed the plans, stating, "We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves on October 6 here in Argentina."
Lionel Messi's Illustrious International Career
Messi's final appearance is expected to be his 208th for the national team, extending his record as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with an astounding 125 goals. His two-decade international career is decorated with significant triumphs, including winning the 2022 World Cup and securing Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. Lionel Messi Nominated for Ballon d’Or 2026.
Argentina's Upcoming Friendlies and Benin's Form
Before facing Benin, Argentina has two other international friendlies scheduled. They will take on Bolivia on September 30 in Cordoba at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, followed by a match against Burkina Faso on October 3 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi is not expected to participate in these initial two fixtures, with his focus solely on the farewell game against Benin.
Benin, currently ranked 93rd in the FIFA World Rankings, has shown inconsistent form recently, winning two of their last five matches. They have scored three goals and conceded seven during this period. Benin will also be involved in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers around this period, facing Burkina Faso on September 25 and Mauritania on September 29.
This farewell match promises to be an emotional culmination of an unparalleled international career, allowing fans one last opportunity to celebrate a true legend of the game on home soil.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2026 12:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
