Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina on October 6, when the world champions face Benin in an international friendly at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental. The match has been designated as Messi’s farewell appearance after the 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football.
The game will bring the curtain down on a remarkable international career that began in 2005 and lasted more than two decades. Messi has represented Argentina at six World Cups and leaves the national team as its record goalscorer and most-capped player.
A farewell at the Monumental
The Monumental Stadium, home of River Plate, will provide the stage for Messi’s final night in Argentina colours. The stadium can accommodate around 85,000 spectators, and the occasion is expected to be an emotional celebration of one of football’s greatest careers.
The Argentine Football Association has invited members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to take part in the celebrations. AFA president Claudio Tapia said the decision was made to give Messi the farewell he deserves in front of his home supporters.
207 appearances, 125 goals
Messi currently has 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina. The Benin friendly will be his 208th and final international appearance. He is already Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and appearance holder.
His international journey included some of football’s greatest highs and most painful disappointments. After losing the 2014 World Cup final to Germany and suffering several major tournament setbacks, Messi finally achieved his biggest dream by leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.
He also guided Argentina to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. Argentina reached another World Cup final in 2026 but lost to Spain.
The end of an era
Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, saying the decision was painful but that he understood the time had come. He leaves behind a legacy that includes World Cup glory, two Copa América titles, 125 international goals and more than 200 appearances for Argentina.
The Benin match will therefore be much more than an international friendly. It will be the final chapter of Messi’s extraordinary Argentina story — the final time the iconic No. 10 is expected to lead his country on home soil.
For millions of Argentine and global football fans, October 6 will be a night to celebrate a legend rather than simply watch a football match.
One final game. One final Argentina shirt. One final farewell to Lionel Messi.
