Argentina to host Benin in friendly at Estadio Monumental with Lionel Messi set for final appearance

Argentina will host Benin in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental on October 6 (BST), with Lionel Messi expected to make his final appearance in the national team jersey.

The match is being staged as a special occasion at home for La Albiceleste after they routed Burkina Faso 7-0 in their most recent friendly, a game Lionel Scaloni’s side controlled for the majority and finished decisively in the final third.

Benin arrive off a 2-1 victory over Mauritania in an AFCON qualifier, a game in which the Cheetahs established a two-goal lead before a defensive error prevented a clean sheet; the side are coached by Gernot Rohr and must contend with the challenge of playing away.

Messi, 39 years old, is reported to have joined the squad for training and is set to play his final game for Argentina; he has scored 125 goals in 207 games for La Albiceleste and is described in the source as the second-highest goal scorer in international football.

Rodolfo Aloko, 19, comes into the fixture after scoring a brace in Benin’s win over Mauritania and is expected to be deployed on the left flank as he seeks to help his team compete against Argentina.

The published selected squads are reported as follows: Argentina — Emi Martinez (GK); Giay, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; Paz, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Prestianni; Messi, Alvarez. Benin — Dandjinou (GK); Ourou, Azongnito, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Ouorou, Olaitan, Aloko; Tosin. All of the selected squad members for both Argentina and Benin are listed as fit to be in action.

Preview commentary in the source states that, given Argentina’s superior squad quality and home-ground advantage, they will hold the upper hand, while Benin will face a new challenge and aim to put up a strong fight; the source further suggests Lionel Messi and company are likely to come out on top and secure a win.

The Estadio Más Monumental is all set to witness this contest on October 6 (BST). Broadcasters listed in the source are: India — Zee5, Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD; Argentina — TyC Sports Argentina, Telefe Argentina, TyC Sports Play, mitelefe; Benin — SuperSport MáXimo 3, SuperSport Premier League ROA, Benin TV; UK — Premier Sports Player, Premier Sports 2. For further updates the source directs readers to follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join its Telegram community.