Messi Arrives for Argentina’s Farewell Match Against Benin

Lionel Messi has joined Argentina’s squad at Ezeiza ahead of Tuesday’s farewell match against Benin at Estadio Monumental, a ceremony designed to give the captain a final home appearance in front of 85,000 supporters.

Why the farewell matters for Argentina

Argentina arrive in Buenos Aires after successive emphatic victories, beating Bolivia 4-0 before recording a 7-0 win against Burkina Faso. Messi’s first session with the group concluded on Sunday evening with the customary squad asado.

The match at River Plate’s stadium will honour the player who has become Argentina’s leading scorer, with 125 goals from 207 international matches. His record includes the World Cup, two Copa América triumphs and the Finalissima.

AFA president Claudio Tapia said the association had invited Messi, whom he described as the national side’s defining figure and captain, to receive the send-off he deserves in Argentina on October 6.

Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás Otamendi are expected to feature alongside Messi for the occasion. Leandro Paredes will attend from the stands despite the 10-game FIFA ban imposed following the 2026 World Cup final.

Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina, both members of Argentina’s Qatar 2022 World Cup-winning squad, will not be present after AS Roma prevented them from travelling.

Argentina will wear a specially produced kit for the event, with the Sun of May and laurel detailing surrounding Messi’s number 10. After the final whistle, he is due to return to Inter Miami, where his contract runs until the conclusion of the 2028 MLS season.

For Lionel Scaloni, the occasion also marks the start of a new phase, with the Argentina coach set to place greater emphasis on integrating the next generation for the coming tournament cycle.