Lionel Messi has been named in Argentina‘s squad for a friendly against Benin on 6 October 2026, a match confirmed as his farewell appearance following his international retirement announcement last month. The 39-year-old is set to make his 208th and final appearance for the national team at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
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How the Farewell Came Together
Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia confirmed the news, explaining that after discussions with head coach Lionel Scaloni, the federation decided to invite Messi so he could have the farewell “he truly deserves.” Tapia described the occasion as “the last tango” of the best player in the world, adding that every member of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, along with their families, had also been invited to attend.
The Benin match forms the third and final fixture of an extended October international window, which also sees Argentina host Bolivia in Córdoba on 30 September and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on 3 October, before closing out with the Benin farewell on 6 October at the Estadio Monumental, the largest stadium in South America.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Lionel Messi |
| Age | 39 |
| Farewell Match | Argentina vs Benin |
| Date | 6 October 2026 |
| Venue | Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires |
| Stadium Capacity | 85,018 |
| Appearance Number | 208th and final |
| All-Time Argentina Goals | 125 |
| Major Honours | 2022 World Cup, Copa America (2021, 2024) |
Why Messi Is Stepping Away
Messi announced his retirement from international duty in late August, weeks after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. His decision followed closely behind the death of his father, Jorge, after a private illness. In his retirement message, Messi said he had given everything he had to give, adding that a talented group of younger players deserved the opportunity to take his place.
He described the decision as one that hurt deeply but felt like the right moment to step away, closing a international career that spanned two decades and included Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph as well as Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
A Storied International Career
Messi retires as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals across his international career, and is set to bow out with 208 caps to his name. Beyond the trophies, his farewell also comes just months after he helped Argentina reach the final of the 2026 World Cup, extending a legacy that already included leading the team to glory in Qatar four years earlier.
Reports indicate Messi has accepted the AFA’s invitation to attend the Benin fixture specifically, with teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso expected to join him for the occasion, even as the broader squad for the October window features several changes and new faces following the World Cup, including uncapped additions such as Roman Vega, Santiago Castro, and Matias Soulé.
What’s Next for Argentina
Messi’s farewell also arrives at a moment of transition for the national team, with head coach Lionel Scaloni’s contract set to expire in December 2026, leaving his own future with the Albiceleste uncertain heading into the new World Cup qualification cycle. For now, though, all attention turns to 6 October, when Messi is expected to take the field for Argentina one final time in front of a sold-out Estadio Monumental.
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FAQs
When is Lionel Messi’s farewell match with Argentina?
Messi’s farewell is scheduled for 6 October 2026, against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Why is Lionel Messi retiring from the Argentina national team?
Messi announced his retirement in late August, citing that he had given all he could and that younger players deserved the opportunity, following Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final defeat and the death of his father.
How many caps and goals does Lionel Messi have for Argentina?
He is set to make his 208th and final appearance, and remains Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals.
Will other players from Argentina’s 2022 World Cup squad attend the farewell?
Yes, AFA president Claudio Tapia has invited all members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, along with their families, to attend.
What matches does Argentina play before Messi’s farewell?
Argentina face Bolivia on 30 September in Córdoba and Burkina Faso on 3 October in Buenos Aires, before the Benin farewell match on 6 October.
