Messi farewell: Argentina name legend in October squad for Benin friendly
Synopsis
After 20 years, 207 appearances, 125 goals, and a World Cup, Lionel Messi's final chapter in the blue and white writes itself on 6 October at the Estadio Monumental. An 85,000-capacity stadium, the 2022 champions in the stands, and a nation saying goodbye — this is as big as football farewells get.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi will play his Argentina farewell match against Benin on 6 October 2026 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires .
Messi announced his international retirement on 31 August , ending a 20-year career with 125 goals in 207 appearances .
AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed the inclusion of Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso alongside Messi for the farewell squad.
The 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner won the 2022 World Cup , two Copa America titles, and was runner-up at Brazil 2014 .
Argentina's 2022 World Cup winners and their families have been invited to the occasion, which Tapia called 'unforgettable.' The Estadio Monumental holds 85,000 spectators and is expected to be a full house for the occasion.
Lionel Messi will bring down the curtain on his storied 20-year international career on 6 October 2026, when Argentina host Benin in a farewell friendly at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires — a stadium that holds 85,000 fans and has witnessed some of football's greatest moments. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed Messi's inclusion in the squad alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, marking a fitting send-off for the nation's greatest-ever player.
A Farewell Fit for a Legend
AFA president Claudio Tapia announced the squad on social media, writing: 'We invited the world's best player, our national-team icon, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, to have a deserved farewell here in Argentina.' The official statement confirmed that Messi, De Paul, and Lo Celso would be part of the squad, with the full domestic-league call-up list set to be announced on Friday.
Argentina's 2022 World Cup winners and their families have also been invited to the occasion, which Tapia described as 'unforgettable.'
Messi's Retirement Announcement
Messi confirmed his international retirement on 31 August, ending weeks of speculation. In an emotional statement, he wrote: 'After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team. It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come.'
He added: 'I swear to you that I always gave it my all — not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you, through football, feel proud to be Argentinian.'
A Career in Numbers
The 39-year-old, currently playing for Inter Miami in MLS, is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player with 125 goals in 207 appearances. An eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, he made his Argentina debut as an 18-year-old in 2005. His international journey included a runners-up finish at Brazil 2014, back-to-back Copa America titles, and the crowning glory of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
At his final FIFA World Cup earlier this year, Messi registered 8 goals and 4 assists to propel Lionel Scaloni's side into the final, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time — a result that stung, but could not diminish the legacy of two decades in the blue and white.
Argentina's October Friendly Schedule
The farewell match is the final leg of a three-game international window running from 21 September to 6 October. Argentina first face Bolivia on 30 September at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, then take on Burkina Faso on 3 October at the River Plate Stadium, before Messi's curtain call against Benin on 6 October at the same venue. The Estadio Monumental, with its capacity of 85,000, is expected to sell out as fans flock for one last look at the greatest player to ever wear the Albiceleste shirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Lionel Messi play his final Argentina game?
Messi's farewell match is scheduled for 6 October 2026 against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which has a capacity of 85,000. The AFA confirmed his inclusion in the squad alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso.
Why is Messi retiring from international football?
Messi announced his retirement on 31 August, stating that 'the time has come' despite the decision being one that 'hurt — and still hurts deep down.' He had represented Argentina for 20 years and won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles during that period.
What are Messi's career statistics for Argentina?
Messi is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances. He made his debut as an 18-year-old in 2005 and is an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
What is Argentina's full friendly schedule for October?
Argentina play three friendlies: against Bolivia on 30 September at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, against Burkina Faso on 3 October at the River Plate Stadium, and against Benin on 6 October — Messi's farewell — also at the Estadio Monumental.
What was Messi's performance at his last World Cup?
At the most recent FIFA World Cup, Messi scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists, leading Argentina to the final. They lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in what proved to be his final World Cup appearance.
