Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on October 6, when the world champion is expected to wear the Albiceleste shirt one last time in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed Messi’s inclusion after the 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football on August 31. The farewell match will give him an opportunity to bid goodbye to Argentina supporters on home soil.
Messi Set For Monumental Farewell
Messi had announced his decision to step away from international football following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign. In his farewell message, he said the decision was painful but that he felt it was time to close the chapter and make way for younger players.
The AFA has now confirmed that Messi will return for one final game.
The Argentina captain will be joined for the occasion by members of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The AFA said the world champions and their families will be invited to attend the farewell match.
Final Argentina Match Against Benin
Argentina are scheduled to play three home friendlies during the upcoming international window.
The team will face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 before taking on Burkina Faso at the Monumental on October 3. Messi’s farewell against Benin will then take place at the same stadium on October 6.
Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, who were part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad alongside Messi, are also set to feature in the farewell match.
Messi’s Argentina Legacy
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the team’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer. His international career included the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
The 2026 World Cup was another landmark tournament for Messi. He became the leading goalscorer in World Cup history during the competition and helped Argentina reach the final.
Now, after more than two decades with Argentina, Messi is preparing for one final appearance in front of his home supporters.
The October 6 encounter against Benin will mark the closing chapter of his international career, with the Monumental set to host the farewell to Argentina’s long-time captain.
