Lionel Messi to play in Argentina’s friendly vs Benin at Estadio Más Monumental on October 6, 2026

Lionel Messi will play for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in an international friendly, and the appearance will serve as his farewell for the national team. The 39-year-old is confirmed to take part and will wear a special jersey for the fixture.

Argentina are scheduled to play their final international friendly in the September-October window at home. After their FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain, Lionel Scaloni’s side have recorded consecutive friendly victories, beating Bolivia 4-0 and Burkina Faso 7-0, and the squad is being prepared for the post-Messi era.

Messi, 39, has scored 125 goals in 207 games for Argentina and led the nation to one World Cup and two Copa América titles. The report states he will wear a special jersey for this match and includes the team’s training caption: "#SelecciónMayor 🥹 Último entrenamiento en Ezeiza. pic.twitter.com/4wrFRuBcZX"

Lionel Scaloni is planning to introduce a young and strong playmaker as the team transitions after Messi’s retirement. For the Benin friendly, Messi is likely to play alongside Lautaro Martinez or Julian Alvarez in attack and will be looking to engrave his name on the scoresheet for Argentina.

Cristian Romero is set to become Argentina’s new captain after Messi’s retirement, according to the article. The piece reiterates that this fixture will serve as Messi’s farewell game for La Albiceleste.

Argentina will face Benin on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires; in India the match will kick off at 4:30 AM IST on October 7. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join their community on Whatsapp & Telegram.