Lionel Messi's Farewell LIVE Updates, Argentina vs Benin Live Score: Lionel Messi Wasteful In Farwell Game, 0-0 At Half Time

HALF TIME! Just a minute's added time to the first half and we have reached the halfway mark. The referee blows his whistle to conclude the first period of the game. Argentina wouldn't be happy with the way the match has gone so far. They need to be doing a lot more going forward. Benin would be happy, having tested Dibu Martinez a couple of times too.

Oct 07, 2026 05:46 (IST)

Lionel Messi Last Match LIVE: Martinez Saves Argentina

45' Junior Olaitan tricks his way to the edge of the area and unleashes a thunderous strike towards the roof of the net, but Emiliano Martinez earns his keep with a brilliant reflex save!

Oct 07, 2026 05:44 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Lionel Messi's Shot Saved By Benin Goalkeeper

44' Another counter-attack, and another opportunity for Benin to open the scoring. But Sessi D'Almeida’s attempt is thwarted by Emiliano Martinez. Argentina then unleashes Messi on the counter attack but Marcel Dandjinou is well positioned to block his shot and punch the ball away. It’s a corner!

Oct 07, 2026 05:41 (IST)

Lionel Messi's Farewell LIVE: Benin's Counter Attack Wasteful

40' Alexis Mac Allister’s pass is intercepted, giving Benin an opportunity to launch a counter-attack. The counter-attack almost leads to a chance for the touring side but the final pass lands in the hands of the Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Oct 07, 2026 05:37 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Lionel Messi Freekick Saved

36' The referee blows his whistle for a foul by Benin's Rodolfo Aloko, who was too aggressive in his challenge. This time, it's a free kick for Lionel Messi, but the effort is saved by the Benin goalkeeper. The wait for the opening goal continues!

Oct 07, 2026 05:34 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Messi Misses Sitter

33' How did he miss that? A brilliant opportunity for Messi to open the scoring. Lautaro Martinez with a brilliant cross from the left flank, from the outside of his boot. Messi makes a run deep into the penalty box, but his shot is just wide. That should've been the opener!

Oct 07, 2026 05:29 (IST)

Lionel Messi Farewell Match LIVE: Benin Defending Deep

28' Benin have at least 7 players defending inside the penalty box as Argentina look to create a slick passing move in search of the opening goal. Even though it is a farewell match for Messi, the African side has shown no intention of allowing Argentina more space than they should.

Oct 07, 2026 05:27 (IST)

Lionel Messi Farewell Match LIVE: Frustration For Messi And Argentina

27' Lionel Messi overcurls a poor free kick into the box, allowing the Benin defence to clear it with ease. That sums up Argentina's night so far, lacking their usual composure and creating very little of real substance.

Oct 07, 2026 05:25 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Messi Threatening Benin Defence

23' Julian Alvarez receives a dangerous ball inside the 18-yard box, but his attempt to slide a pass to Messi on the edge of the area is cut out by the Benin defence. Argentina continue to press for the opener, but the African side remain disciplined and alert.

Moments later, Messi gets another fleeting glimpse of goal, but the pass proves just out of his reach.

Oct 07, 2026 05:20 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Benin Miss Sitter

19' Another brilliant opportunity for Benin to score the opening goal. Aiyegun Tosin misses a massive opportunity for Benin as he strikes a stunning volley from inside the box, but his effort flashes just wide of the right post.

Oct 07, 2026 05:19 (IST)

Lionel Messi Last Match LIVE: Benin's Come Close To Scoring

17' Benin launch a threatening attack from the left flank. They almost succeed in getting a player to the Argentina penalty box before earning a corner.

The corner kick is also a threatening one, but the header from the Benin player in the box is not on the target!
 

Oct 07, 2026 05:15 (IST)

Lionel Messi Last Match LIVE: Messi Offside As Argentina Shift Gear

14' Enzo Fernandez delivers a promising cross into the box, but the Benin defence reads it well to clear. Lionel Messi tries to thread a run beyond the last defender, but he mis-times his movement as the linesman correctly flags for offside.

Oct 07, 2026 05:20 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: 10-Minute Tribute For Messi

10' An epic tribute unfolds across the entire stadium-and even from opponents Benin, as the clock hits the 10-minute mark. Every single player steps up to shake hands with Messi while fireworks light up the sky. The man who conquered the world is bidding farewell today, and there are tears all around as this incredible journey comes to an end.

Minuto 10 y el partido se detiene para apludir a Lionel Messi. Los jugadores de Benin tambien se acercaron para saludar al capitan de la Seleccion Argentina https://t.co/fMguiOcQOv

— Siempre Con Argentina (@siempreconargok) October 6, 2026

Oct 07, 2026 05:08 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: First Shot On Target By Messi

7' Messi gets the first shot on target for Argentina, but it is comfortably saved by the Benin goalkeeper. It was an ambitious attempt from Messi, unable to generate enough power with his left foot, but it provides his first real sight of goal.

Oct 07, 2026 05:05 (IST)

Lionel Messi Farewell LIVE: Freekick To Benin

5' Cristian Romero dispossesses his opponent but reacts furiously when referee Fernando Vejar blows for a foul. Benin take the resulting long-range free kick, but one of the defenders intercepts it effortlessly.

Oct 07, 2026 05:06 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Argentina In Top Gear From First Minute

1' Argentina threaten right from the opening minute. Alvarez and De Paul combine down the right flank to whip in a dangerous cross, but the Benin defence remains alert. A follow-up attempt from the left is quickly thwarted.

Oct 07, 2026 05:00 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Messi Gets Special Present From Benin

A special present for Lionel Messi from the ancestors of Benin, as handshakes are exchanged at the time of the toss. It's not just Argentinians who are going to miss Messi, but the entire world of football. With the toss, the on-field action is now underway!

How many goals will Messi score today?

Oct 07, 2026 04:52 (IST)

Lionel Messi Last Game LIVE: National Anthems Underway!

We start with Benin's national anthem, and now it's time for Argentina's. The entire stadium is lit up and fans are singing in unison as Lionel Messi experiences this feeling, at least as a player, for the final time in his career. 

Oct 07, 2026 04:46 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Lionel Scaloni On Lionel Messi

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni pays a special tribute to a very special Lionel Messi.

"I've never seen anyone else convey what he does on a football field, and that is what we're going to miss. He is an incredible example. The first to arrive, the last to leave, how he takes care of himself, how he faces each game. You can see he is a phenomenon just by how he plays, but he has things behind him that his team-mates see, and he is the best example there can be," he said.

Oct 07, 2026 04:42 (IST)

Lionel Messi's Farewell: Entire Argentina On Streets

Entire Argentina is on the streets as Lionel Messi prepares to hang up his boots. These scenes have never been seen before. Wow! This is unbelievable!

ARGENTINA IS GOING ABSOLUTELY WILD AHEAD OF LIONEL MESSI’S FAREWELL! The scenes are UNREAL. Argentina is ready to give the GOAT the goodbye he deserves. https://t.co/AGWbePpDV2

— X_GOAL (@Xrkt111686) October 6, 2026

Oct 07, 2026 04:40 (IST)

Lionel Messi's Last Match: Indian Fans Travel To Argentina

Two fans from India have apparently travelled all the way to Argentina to witness Lionel Messi play for the Albiceleste for one last time.

Two fans from India traveled all the way to Argentina to watch Leo play his final game for the national team. https://t.co/l4XReQzozF

— Kalshi FC (@KalshiFC) October 6, 2026

Oct 07, 2026 04:36 (IST)

Lionel Messi Farewell LIVE: Ronaldinho's Tribute

A big tribute from Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi's former teammate at Barcelona on this occasion.

He wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "What a pleasure and what joy to have been part of your story from the very first day, brother! You made us smile and enjoy football so much!!! Your name is etched in the history of your country, of the whole world... Only we know the joy we felt when we fulfilled our childhood dream, representing our entire nation and becoming world champions!!!! You gave everything for your national team and for your country... I understand you perfectly and I know that everything related to family makes us rethink things... Enjoy life, brother. I wish you the very best, today and always."

Que placer y que alegria haber formado parte de tu historia desde el primer dia hermano! Nos hiciste sonreir y disfrutar tanto del futbol!!! Tu nombre esta en la historia de tu pais, de todo el mundo... Solo nosotros sabemos la alegria que sentimos al cumplir nuestro sueno de infancia, representar a toda nuestra nacion y ser campeones del mundo!!!! Lo diste todo por tu seleccion y por tu pais... Te entiendo perfectamente y se que todo lo relacionado con la familia nos hace replantearnos las cosas... Disfruta de la vida, hermano. Te deseo lo mejor, hoy y siempre.

— Ronaldinho (@10Ronaldinho) October 6, 2026

Oct 07, 2026 04:31 (IST)

Lionel Messi's Farewell: Messi Honoured By River Plate

Lionel Messi honoured by River Plate President. He gets an honorary Member of the Club, a commemorative plaque, and the Sacred Jersey with his name.

En un dia historico y acompanado por el Presidente @stefanocdicarlo, el mejor jugador de todos los tiempos recibio el carnet que lo distingue como Socio Honorario del Club, una placa conmemorativa y el Manto Sagrado con su nombre. Gracias por el futbol, Capitan

— River Plate (@RiverPlate) October 6, 2026

Oct 07, 2026 04:24 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Lionel Messi In Tears

As the team bus arrived at the venue, Lionel Messi could be seen in tears. He has given his all to Argentina and it's the final time that he would be witnessing the Messi... Messi... chants from the fans. Argentina fans can't wait, even the world can't wait!

LEO MESSI CRYING IN THE BUS https://t.co/4VAObDR2Nw

— All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 6, 2026

Oct 07, 2026 04:20 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: The Lineups Are Out

Here's how the two teams are lining up:

Argentina: E Martinez; N Tagliafico, N Otamendi, C Romero, A Giay; R De Paul, A Mac Allister, E Fernandez; L Messi, J Alvarez, L Martinez.

Benin: M Dandjinou - T Ouorou, Y Roche, M Tijani, L Omore; Hassane, S D'Almeida, J Olaitan; Yamirou, R Aloko, A Tosin.

Oct 07, 2026 04:18 (IST)

Lionel Messi Farewell LIVE: Estadio Monumental Is Ready

The atmosphere is building and it all looks mesmerising at the Estadio Monumental. Benin's players take photos with Argentina's fans before Messi's farewell.

Los jugadores de Benin se toman fotos con la aficion de Argentina antes de la despedida de Messi. Es el partido mas amateur de la historia jajaja van a marcar 15 goles y 10 Messi. Capaz los de Benín lo celebran con el xd https://t.co/ZTgygS4bio

— MT2 (@madrid_total2) October 6, 2026

Oct 07, 2026 04:15 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin LIVE: Cap No. 208 For Lionel Messi

Set for his 208th and last match for his country, Messi will take to the pitch in Buenos Aires looking to add to his impressive 125-goal haul in the iconic blue and white kit.

Oct 07, 2026 04:10 (IST)

Argentina vs Benin Live Updates: Lionel Messi's Grand Farewell

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Lionel Messi's last international match as Argentina take on Benin in a friendly encounter. After a defeat against Spain in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, it would be the first and the final time that Messi would wear the Argentina jersey. A grand felicitation ceremony and much more is in store as the day progresses. Stay tuned!