Messi set for final Argentina appearance in farewell against Benin

Lionel Messi is preparing to make his final appearance for Argentina as the world champions host Benin in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old will bring an end to an international career spanning more than two decades, with Argentina planning a major celebration to honour its record goalscorer and appearance holder.

About 85,000 supporters are expected to attend the match, with several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad also set to participate in the farewell celebrations.

Messi announced his international retirement in August following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final.

He leaves the national team with 125 goals in 207 appearances, as well as a record 68 assists, according to the figures reported ahead of his farewell.

Messi’s trophies with Argentina

The former Barcelona star’s international career was transformed during its later years after a long wait for senior success.

He captained Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title before helping the country win the Finalissima against Italy in 2022.

Later that year, Messi led Argentina to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ending the country’s 36-year wait for the trophy.

Argentina then retained the Copa América in 2024.

His final years with the national team cemented a legacy that had previously been complicated by repeated defeats in major finals.

Tuesday’s friendly against Benin will also feature other experienced members of Argentina’s successful generation, including Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso.

Former international Ángel Di María, who retired from Argentina duty in 2024, is among the World Cup-winning figures expected to attend.

Argentina prepares for life after Messi

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the farewell would be an emotional occasion but also acknowledged that the national team must begin adapting to life without its long-time captain.

Cristian Romero is expected to become one of the leading candidates to inherit the captaincy, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and striker Lautaro Martínez also among Argentina’s senior figures.

A new generation including Franco Mastantuono and other emerging talents is already being integrated into the squad.

There is also uncertainty over who will permanently inherit Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt.

Argentina had explored the possibility of retiring the number, but FIFA competition rules prevent national teams from permanently withdrawing numbers within the required tournament squad range.

Messi is also due to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires on October 6 in recognition of his football achievements and contribution to Argentine society.

Although his Argentina career is ending, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami.