The Argentine national team, led by coach Lionel Scaloni, has announced the starting lineup for their friendly match against Benin. Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, will start the game, marking his final appearance for the national team. The match is set to take place at the Monumental Stadium, the home of River Plate in Buenos Aires, on Wednesday at 2:00 AM local time. The game is expected to draw a large audience, particularly from the Arab world.

The match against Benin is a significant event for Messi, who has decided to retire from international football. The game will be a celebration of his illustrious career, and the Argentine team will look to give him a memorable sendoff. The starting lineup for Argentina includes Emiliano Martinez in goal, with Agustina Giajay, Cristian Romero, Otamendi, and Taliafiaco forming the defense. The midfield will feature De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister.

The attacking trio for Argentina will consist of Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Julian Alvarez. The team will look to build on their recent performances and provide an exciting display for the fans. The match against Benin is a friendly game, and the result is not as crucial as the occasion itself. Messi's retirement from international football has sparked an outpouring of emotions from fans worldwide.

The match will be a challenging encounter for both teams, with Benin's national team looking to make a statement against the South American giants. The African side will be eager to test their skills against one of the world's top teams and create a memorable experience. The game will provide an opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of future competitions.

Despite the significance of the match, no Middle Eastern TV channels have announced plans to broadcast the game. However, fans can watch the match live on the Shasha digital platform. The game is expected to attract a large online audience, with many fans eager to witness Messi's final international appearance.

Messi's decision to retire from international football came after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. The game against Benin will be a chance for him to reflect on his achievements and say goodbye to the fans. Throughout his career, Messi has consistently demonstrated his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.

The friendly match between Argentina and Benin will be a unique event, marking the end of an era for Argentine football. The game will provide a chance for fans to celebrate Messi's contributions to the sport and look forward to the next generation of players. As the teams take to the field, the focus will be on the occasion, the players, and the excitement of the game.

Key points

  • Lionel Messi will play his last international game in a friendly match against Benin.
  • The match will take place at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
  • The starting lineup for Argentina includes Messi, with Emiliano Martinez in goal and Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez in attack.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.