Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina in an international friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match, scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, will be an emotional occasion for Messi, who has had an extraordinary international career spanning nearly two decades. Messi has confirmed that his time with the Albiceleste is coming to an end, making the match a special occasion for both the player and Argentine supporters.
Messi has been an influential player in Argentina's modern history, leading the country to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and ending a long wait for the biggest prize in international football. His achievements with Argentina also include Copa América success, while he remains the country's record goalscorer and one of its most capped players. The match will be an opportunity for supporters at the Monumental to celebrate the career of a player who has defined an era of Argentine football.
Benin, however, will be hoping to make sure the evening does not become a straightforward celebration for the hosts. The Cheetahs have had some encouraging results behind them and will see the fixture as an opportunity to test themselves against one of international football's strongest teams. Benin recently beat Mauritania 2-1 and drew 1-1 with Burkina Faso, although they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Togo earlier in their recent run.
Argentina have been in impressive scoring form heading into the farewell fixture, producing a dominant 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their most recent outing after previously defeating Bolivia 4-0. Their recent results show the quality available to Lionel Scaloni, although the team also suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Argentina have scored 11 goals in their last two matches, underlining the attacking threat Benin will have to deal with.
All eyes will be on Messi when the teams walk out at the Monumental. The Argentina captain is expected to wear the national-team shirt for the final time, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his career to an end. Messi's journey with Argentina has included difficult moments, particularly during the early stages of his international career, but he eventually delivered the major trophies the country had been waiting for.
Lionel Scaloni is expected to name a strong team despite the friendly nature of the fixture. Messi could have another experienced Argentina star alongside him for the final farewell, with Nicolás Otamendi also expected to feature. The veteran defender has been an important member of Argentina's golden generation and played a major role in the team's recent successes.
Argentina go into the game as clear favorites, particularly considering their recent attacking form and the quality available to Scaloni. Benin could make the contest competitive in the early stages, but Argentina should eventually take control of the match. With Messi playing his final game and the home crowd expected to create an emotional atmosphere, the hosts should have enough motivation and quality to finish the night with a convincing victory.
Key points
- Lionel Messi to make final Argentina appearance against Benin
- Argentina in impressive scoring form heading into the farewell fixture
- Benin to test themselves against one of international football's strongest teams
