Lionel Messi is set to receive an emotional farewell from Argentine fans as tickets for his expected final appearance against Benin on October 6 sold out in under two hours. The match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires has generated huge demand, with around 80,000 tickets available but reportedly far fewer than the stadium's capacity. This underlines Messi's enormous popularity and the significance of his international farewell.
Messi announced his decision to step away from international football in late August after an extraordinary 21-year career with Argentina. However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni included the veteran forward in his squad for the upcoming friendly against Benin, giving Messi the opportunity to receive an official farewell in front of his home supporters. Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed that Messi accepted the invitation.
Members of Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning squad and their families have also been invited to attend what Tapia described as a special final occasion for one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. The match will provide the stage for Messi's expected final appearance in an Argentina shirt, marking the end of an extraordinary international chapter that began more than two decades ago.
Messi leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at the international level, holding Argentina's records for both appearances and goals with 207 caps and 125 goals for the national team. His international career includes the biggest prize in football, having captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. He also helped La Albiceleste win two Copa América titles, further cementing his status as one of the most successful players in the country's history.
Before the highly anticipated farewell, Argentina are scheduled to face Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 and take on Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3. The October 6 meeting with Benin will be Argentina's third friendly during the current international window. For millions of Argentina supporters, the occasion will mark the end of an era.
Messi previously featured in the 2014 World Cup final and was also part of Argentina's campaign at the 2026 World Cup. His farewell match against Benin will be an emotional occasion for fans and teammates alike, as they bid farewell to one of the greatest players in Argentine history.
The significance of Messi's farewell match has been underlined by the huge demand for tickets, with supporters rushing to secure tickets for the clash. The match will be a special occasion for Messi, his teammates, and the fans, as they celebrate his remarkable career and legacy with Argentina.
Key points
- Messi's farewell match against Benin on October 6 has sold out in under two hours, highlighting his massive popularity.
- Messi will receive an official farewell in front of his home supporters at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
- Messi leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at the international level, holding Argentina's records for both appearances and goals.
