LIVE BLOG: Argentina vs Benin | Messi's Farewell With La Albiceleste

Lionel Messi plays his final match for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Monumental, bringing an end to a historic career with La Albiceleste.

The lineups

MESSI STARTS

Messi Says Goodbye to Argentina at the Monumental

The day that seemed inevitable, but that Argentine fans preferred not to imagine for years, has finally arrived. Lionel Messi plays his final match for the Argentina National Team this Tuesday, October 6, as La Albiceleste hosts Benin in a friendly organized as a tribute to its greatest star.

The setting will be the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where thousands of fans will accompany the captain in his final appearance wearing the Argentina jersey. The match will kick off at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT.

Messi had announced his decision to retire from international soccer weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.

His farewell comes after 22 years of history with the national team. Before this match, the forward had recorded 207 appearances, 125 goals and 65 assists at the senior international level.

A Career That Changed La Albiceleste's History

Messi's journey with Argentina was marked by moments of frustration, lost finals and also a period of enormous success that transformed his relationship with the supporters.

The captain says goodbye after winning four titles with the national team and appearing in nine finals. His journey even included his first international retirement in 2016, a decision he later reversed to continue pursuing his goals with La Albiceleste.

Now, a decade after that episode, the ending will be completely different. The AFA prepared several tributes to recognize his career, while the national team will wear a special jersey featuring details dedicated to the legendary No. 10.

Argentina Prepares Its Final Team With Messi

For the match against Benin, Lionel Messi is among the players expected to start alongside stars such as Lautaro Martínez and Julián Alvarez.

The potential lineup also includes Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister.

Regardless of the result, all eyes will be on one man. The Monumental will witness Lionel Messi's final match with Argentina and the conclusion of one of the most important international careers in soccer history.