Lionel Messi to Play Official Farewell Match for Argentina Against Benin

Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from the Argentina national team in late August, is set to wear the Albiceleste jersey one final time. The Argentine star has been included in Lionel Scaloni squad for the upcoming international window and will feature on October 6 in a friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires, in what will be his official farewell match for the national team.

Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia confirmed the plan, writing: We have invited the best player in the world, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he deserves on October 6, right here in Argentina. The match will be held at River Plate Monumental Stadium and is expected to become a special evening for local fans, who will get a final opportunity to see the veteran captain in national colors.

Argentina will play three friendly matches during the window. They will open on September 30 against Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, then face Burkina Faso on October 3 at the Monumental, and conclude the window three days later against Benin in the match where Messi is expected to officially bid farewell.

Messi announced the end of his international career on August 31, shortly after Argentina finished as runner-up at the 2026 World Cup. Now, if he does take the pitch against Benin, it will be his first appearance for the national team since the announcement and the very last of a storied career that included winning the 2022 World Cup, the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, and the Finalissima in 2022. He finishes his journey as Argentina all-time appearance and goal-scoring leader.