The Argentine football team will host Benin in a friendly match at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026, marking the farewell of Lionel Messi to the national team. Messi, 39, announced his retirement from international football in August 2026, ending a 21-year career with 207 appearances and 125 goals. The match is expected to be attended by 85,000 spectators, including several of Messi's former teammates and family members of the players.
Messi's international career has been decorated with numerous titles, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, two Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024, and a World Cup final appearance in 2026. He has been a key player for Argentina since his debut in 2005, and his departure will leave a significant void in the team. Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, has expressed his desire to collectively fill the gap left by Messi.
The friendly match against Benin will be the third and final match for Argentina during the international break. The team previously defeated Bolivia 4-0 and Burkina Faso 7-0, both at the Monumental stadium. Scaloni has specially convocated Messi to give him a proper farewell, as well as other senior players like Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso.
Several members of the 2022 World Cup-winning team, including Ángel Di María, Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez, are expected to attend the match. The new generation of Argentine players, including Franco Mastantuono and Lionel Flores, will also be part of the team. Scaloni believes that the match will be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Messi's retirement from international football was triggered by his disappointment with the team's performance in the 2016 Copa America and the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain. He had previously announced his retirement in 2016 but reversed his decision and played in the 2018 World Cup. Messi's commitment to the Inter Miami, where he currently plays, remains until 2028.
The match against Benin will also mark the farewell of Nicolás Otamendi, who is 38 years old and the vice-captain of the team. Scaloni has indicated that the team's future is bright, with many young and talented players ready to take on more responsibilities. The coach wants to ensure a smooth transition and has expressed his confidence in the team's ability to move forward.
One of the symbolic questions surrounding Messi's farewell is who will inherit his iconic number 10 jersey. Scaloni has stated that the number will not be assigned to any player before the match, leaving the decision for the future. The match against Benin will be a celebration of Messi's remarkable career and a passing of the torch to the new generation of Argentine players.
Key points
- Lionel Messi will play his last match for Argentina against Benin on October 6, 2026, at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
- Messi's international career spans 21 years, with 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina.
- The match against Benin will be attended by 85,000 spectators, including several of Messi's former teammates and family members of the players.
