The highly anticipated farewell match for Lionel Messi has generated immense excitement among fans, with 85,018 tickets for the October 6 fixture against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires selling out in under two hours. The online ticketing platform was overwhelmed by the rush from supporters, with reports indicating that the entire allocation was snapped up shortly after sales opened on Thursday. This extraordinary demand underlines the significance of the match, which marks Messi's final appearance for Argentina after over two decades of international football.
The Estadio Monumental, with a capacity of approximately 85,000 spectators, is set to be filled for the occasion, providing a fitting tribute to Messi's illustrious career. The Argentina Football Association had announced the fixture as an opportunity for Messi to receive a farewell on home soil, with AFA president Claudio Tapia inviting members of the Argentina squad that won the 2022 World Cup to attend. This added an emotional dimension to the ceremony, making it a special moment for Messi, his teammates, and the fans.
Messi is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina against Benin, marking the end of an era for the country's iconic captain. His international career has spanned over two decades, during which he became Argentina's record appearance holder and all-time leading scorer. He has led the country to major honors, including the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América.
The farewell match will also form part of Argentina's first international window after the 2026 World Cup. Before facing Benin, the team is scheduled to play Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso at the Monumental on October 3. Messi is expected to feature specifically in the farewell fixture against Benin, providing fans with a final opportunity to watch him represent Argentina.
To commemorate the occasion, a special Argentina shirt has been unveiled, which Messi will wear for his final international appearance. The design features his name and iconic No. 10 in gold, with a distinctive Albiceleste arrangement created specifically for the occasion. This symbolic gesture adds to the emotional significance of the farewell match.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged the emotional significance of Messi's farewell, with the fixture providing the team, supporters, and former teammates an opportunity to formally mark the end of his Argentina career. For the supporters who secured tickets, the occasion will offer a final chance to watch Messi represent the country at the stadium where Argentina regularly plays its home matches.
With the Monumental now sold out, attention will turn to the farewell ceremony itself and Messi's final appearance in the famous blue-and-white shirt. The packed stadium will provide the backdrop for the closing chapter of Messi's Argentina career, and fans will be eager to give him a fitting sendoff.
Key points
- 85,000 tickets for Lionel Messi's final international match with Argentina against Benin sold out in under two hours.
- The farewell match will mark Messi's 208th and final appearance for Argentina, after over two decades of international football.
- A special Argentina shirt has been unveiled for Messi's final international appearance, featuring his name and iconic No. 10 in gold.
