Lionel Messi arrives in Argentina for farewell match

File photo- The Argentine Football Association said the goal of the match is to ensure “the best player in the world gets the home send-off he truly deserves.” | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Lionel Messi arrived in Argentina on Friday ahead of his farewell game with the national team. Messi is set to play in a friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday in a final appearance for the team he led to a World Cup title in 2022.

The Argentine Football Association said the goal of the match is to ensure “the best player in the world gets the home send-off he truly deserves.”

ALSO READ | India vs Brazil — A battle for grit and survival in the shadow of Seleção in Kolkata

Messi, who announced his international retirement on August 31, flew in from Miami on a private jet with his family, landing in his hometown of Rosario, 300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires.

Several of his teammates from the 2022 World Cup, except Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina, are expected to attend the match.

Dybala and Nahuel Molina will be absent after their club Roma declined to release them.

Messi is not taking part in any of Argentina’s other games in this international window. The team beat Bolivia 4-0 on Wednesday and will also play Burkina Faso on Saturday.

(With inputs from AP)

Published on Oct 03, 2026

Latest on Sportstar

1. Live Blog 2026-10-03T08:29:52+05:30

   India vs Pakistan LIVE score, Asian Games cricket final: PAK 117/3 (13); Hasan fifty keeps PAK in 212 chase
2. Lionel Messi arrives in Argentina for farewell match

3. Live Blog 2026-10-03T05:16:51+05:30

   Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 15: Kumkum, Pranavi win historic golds; Aman, Antim reach wrestling finals; India vs Pakistan score updates