Lionel Messi to make final Argentina appearance against Benin
Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina when the world champions meet Benin in an exhibition match at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. The Inter Miami forward, 39, will bring an international career spanning more than two decades to a close in front of the supporters who followed him through defeat, redemption and an unprecedented run of major trophies.
A farewell at the Monumental
Messi confirmed his decision in a message addressed to Argentina supporters before the Benin fixture, describing his relationship with the national shirt as the defining thread of his football life. He said he was leaving with peace of mind after giving everything to the team, calling the jersey his dream, pride and life.
The captain also thanked fans for the affection shown throughout his Argentina career, saying their support would remain with him. The occasion is expected to draw a full house at the Monumental, where the final international appearance of the country’s record player will be treated as a celebration of an era.
Messi’s exit ends a period in which Argentina moved beyond years of final defeats and frustration to establish itself again among international football’s leading sides. His long-awaited first senior international title arrived at the 2021 Copa América, followed by another Copa América triumph in 2024 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The career behind Argentina’s number 10
Going into the Benin match, Messi has played 207 senior games for Argentina and scored 125 goals. His farewell would therefore become his 208th cap, strengthening his position as the most-capped player in the nation’s history.
- Senior Argentina appearances before Benin: 207
- Expected appearance against Benin: 208
- Argentina goals: 125
- Major honours: Copa América in 2021 and 2024, plus the 2022 FIFA World Cup
His 125 goals have placed him clear of earlier Argentina scoring greats including Gabriel Batistuta and Diego Maradona. Across three decades with the senior side, Messi also supplied the creativity that carried Argentina through repeated major-tournament campaigns.
Scaloni on an irreplaceable presence
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who guided the team through the most successful stretch of Messi’s international career, accepted that the squad must continue without its captain but said no individual could replicate his influence.
Scaloni said Messi leaves a legacy without comparison and noted that Argentina will have to keep competing despite losing the distinctive feeling created by having him on the pitch. The coach added that he had not seen another player communicate so much through football, describing Messi as an exceptional example for those who follow him.
Argentina move into a new chapter
The Benin match will offer Messi one last walk in Argentina’s blue and white before the national team begins life without the player who became its central figure. For supporters, the Monumental farewell will recognise not only the goals and trophies, but the journey from near-misses to continental and world success.
