Lionel Messi set to bid farewell to Argentina against Benin

Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for the Argentina national team when the world champions face Benin on October 6, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that the 39-year-old has been included in the squad specifically for the farewell fixture, following his decision to retire from international football. The match will bring the curtain down on Messi’s remarkable international career, which has spanned more than two decades.

The Argentina captain has made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for his country, while leading the Albiceleste to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

AFA president Claudio Tapia said Messi deserves a farewell in Argentina, with members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families also invited to the occasion. Messi will not feature in Argentina’s preceding friendlies against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3.

However, his final appearance is therefore expected to come against Benin, giving Argentine supporters the opportunity to see their legendary No. 10 wear the national colours for one last time.

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