Argentina Prepare for Lionel Messi’s Expected Farewell Against Benin

Argentina’s next international window will carry more significance than a routine set of friendlies, with Lionel Messi expected to make his final appearance for the national side against Benin in October. As the world champions prepare to face Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, the squad is also confronting the prospect of life after its long-serving captain and No. 10.

Messi farewell set for Benin fixture

The three-match programme begins in Córdoba before moving to Buenos Aires, where Messi’s international farewell is planned for the final game at the Monumental.

• Argentina will play Bolivia at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba on Wednesday, September 30.
• The team then faces Burkina Faso at the Monumental in Buenos Aires on Saturday, October 3.
• Benin will provide the opposition at the same stadium on Tuesday, October 6.
• All three fixtures are scheduled for the evening.
• Messi is not due to feature against Bolivia or Burkina Faso and will join the group later, with his involvement focused on the Benin match.

The Inter Miami forward’s final game for Argentina will bring an end to an era in which he led the country to three major titles. His eventual departure also leaves a major question over who will take on the symbolic responsibility of the famous No. 10 shirt.

Mastantuono acknowledges the scale of the change

Franco Mastantuono, widely viewed as a leading candidate to inherit Argentina’s No. 10 in the years ahead, said the team will struggle to replace a figure who means far more than football to the country.

The young midfielder said Messi has been an idol for Argentina as a whole and accepted that the squad’s future without him will be emotional. He added that the players must continue for both the national team and for Messi himself.

Argentina’s transition may not be limited to its captain. Lionel Scaloni’s contract is approaching its end, and there has been no confirmed extension for the coach who oversaw the World Cup triumph and the other major honours of the Messi era.

Mastantuono declined to speculate on whether Scaloni could leave, saying the group did not have clarity on the situation and was focused instead on making the most of the coach’s current spell in charge.

Paz hopes Scaloni remains in charge

Nico Paz, the Como playmaker who was given his senior Argentina debut by Scaloni and was included in the 2026 World Cup squad, said he wants the manager to continue.

• Paz described Scaloni as among the most important coaches in his career.
• He highlighted the fact that Scaloni handed him his first Argentina appearance.
• The midfielder said he hopes the head coach stays beyond his present deal.

For Paz, the October camp also presents a final opportunity to share the field with Messi. He said the occasion is especially meaningful and that he intends to savour it, despite the expectation surrounding his own future with the national team.

The 2026 World Cup player added that he had arrived with the same desire he always feels when representing Argentina, determined to perform as well as possible in the shirt.