Buenos aires: Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina in a friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires on Oct. 6, the country's football federation has announced.
According to Philippines News Agency, Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia stated in a video message that this match will offer the 39-year-old captain "the farewell he truly deserves" in his homeland. The game is set to take place at River Plate's Monumental Stadium, providing Messi a chance to say goodbye to Argentinian supporters after an extensive career with the national team.
Tapia referred to the event as "the last tango of Lionel Andres Messi" and mentioned that players who contributed to Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, along with their families, have been invited to attend. Messi announced his retirement from international football on Aug. 31, expressing that he had "nothing left to give" after becoming Argentina's record appearance-maker and goalscorer.
Messi has scored 125 goals in over 200 appearances for Argentina, aiding the team in winning the 2022 World Cup and securing two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. His last competitive international goal was against Egypt in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Although Argentina reached the final, they were defeated 1-0 by Spain.
The match against Benin will conclude a series of three friendly matches for Argentina, starting with a game against Bolivia at Cordoba's Mario Kempes Stadium on Sept. 30. The team will then play against Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on Oct. 3 before Messi's farewell match three days later.
These fixtures come after disciplinary action was taken against Argentina due to incidents at the 2026 World Cup. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches with limited stadium capacity at 50%, though the second restriction was suspended pending a probationary period.
The sanctions were related to several breaches during the tournament, including conduct after matches and a political demonstration following Argentina's semifinal victory over England, when players displayed a banner asserting the country's claim over the British-administered Falkland Islands.
The active capacity restriction is anticipated to be completed before the Benin friendly, allowing Messi's farewell to proceed without attendance limitations. Messi will continue his club football career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer after retiring from international play.
