Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina in an international friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires during the night of Tuesday, October 6 to Wednesday, October 7, 2026, marking the end of a 22-year career with the Albiceleste.
The Monumental Farewell in Buenos Aires
Argentina will host Benin in Buenos Aires for a grand farewell celebration expected to draw roughly 85,000 spectators to the Estadio Monumental. According to match reports, the fixture serves as the final match of the international window and the emotional curtain call for the legendary captain. The evening features an elaborate ceremony, including a special jersey worn by teammates featuring golden flocking and the Argentine sun in the center, as designed by Adidas. Organizers have arranged for former 2022 World Cup champions to attend, alongside stage artists performing before kickoff and a tribute video shown after the final whistle.
Broadcast Details and Kickoff Time
For supporters watching from France, kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 AM local time in the early hours of Wednesday, October 7, corresponding to a 20:00 kickoff in Buenos Aires. Media reports indicate that the match will not be broadcast on free-to-air television. Instead, viewers can stream the fixture live and free of charge on the digital platform L’Équipe Live Foot.
Two Decades of Albiceleste History
Messi’s international journey began on August 17, 2005, during a friendly match against Hungary at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest. Across 22 years representing his country, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner accumulated 208 appearances, scoring 125 goals and providing 65 assists. This fixture against Benin marks his 208th and final cap in the historic blue-and-white shirt, closing a chapter that defined modern South American football.
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