--- title: "Lionel Messi Set to Play Final International Match Against Benin" url: https://noti.group/lionel-messi-set-to-play-final-international-match-against-benin/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "World News" published: 2026-10-05T12:30:46.000Z updated: 2026-10-05T16:36:36.389Z id: a1371a01-118f-40fc-8433-cf25816d6b82 source: "Al Jazeera https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/5/lionel-messi-argentina-farewell-final-match-benin?traffic_source=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/lionel-messi-set-to-play-final-international-match-against-benin/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Lionel Messi Set to Play Final International Match Against Benin The highly anticipated friendly match marks the end of an era for Argentine soccer, with Lionel Messi set to play his final game for the national team. Lionel Messi is set to end his illustrious international career in a farewell friendly match against Benin on Tuesday at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental. The 39-year-old will play his final game for Argentina, bringing down the curtain on an unparalleled two-decade service to his country. The highly anticipated match marks the dawn of a new era for South American champions Argentina, who have won numerous accolades under Messi's leadership. He has been instrumental in the team's success, and his presence will be deeply missed by fans and teammates alike. The Estadio Monumental is expected to be packed with 85,000 spectators, creating an electric atmosphere. Messi will share the field with several of his long-time teammates who helped him achieve greatness at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They will also be joined by members of Argentina's emerging generation, marking a significant transition for the national team. This friendly match serves as a poignant moment to reflect on Messi's incredible international legacy. The Estadio Monumental is set to witness not only the culmination of Messi's illustrious career but also a symbolic passing of the torch. His record-breaking achievements with Argentina include winning a World Cup title, two Copa America crowns, and the Finalissima. The farewell match is set to take place two and a half months after Argentina's disappointing World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey, where Lionel Messi made little impact on the game. In his announcement of international retirement in August, Messi expressed that he had given it his all and felt there was nothing left to give. He also acknowledged that talented young players were emerging who deserved their chance. This sentiment suggests a genuine desire to step aside for the next generation. Despite being contracted with Inter Miami until 2028, Messi hinted at potentially retiring sooner than expected after the passing of his father, Jorge. The loss had an unexpected impact on Messi's decision-making regarding his football career. His future now hangs in the balance as he prepares for this farewell match. Family members and teammates from Argentina's victorious 2022 World Cup squad will gather to witness Messi's final game against Benin, ranked 93rd globally. This includes experienced players like Angel Di Maria, who retired from international duty in 2024, alongside newer talents such as Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores, who were not yet born when Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is expecting an electric atmosphere at the upcoming farewell match against Benin, with the entire team eager to make the most of the occasion. While the new generation of players has shown promising results without their captain, Scaloni acknowledges that replacing a legendary figure like Messi will not be easy. He has been negotiating a contract extension after leaving his future uncertain following Argentina's World Cup defeat in July. Scaloni, who has successfully built a supporting cast around Messi during his tenure, will also bid farewell to vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi on Tuesday. The 38-year-old defender is one of several veterans who have been called up solely for the Benin game, raising speculation about their future with the team. Veterans like Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez are expected to be part of the matchday squad, at least from the bench, as they take on a standard-bearer role for Argentina after Messi's departure. Tenacious centre back Cristian Romero is poised to take on a leadership role for Argentina as he prepares to inherit the captain's armband from Lionel Messi. Romero will be joined by other veterans in the team hierarchy, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez, who are next in line to lead the squad. These players have already demonstrated their commitment to the team's success, rallying behind their new leaders following Argentina's convincing victories over Bolivia and Burkina Faso. Argentina's future is taking shape, but one question remains: what will happen to Messi's iconic number 10 shirt? Coach Scaloni has hinted that it won't be handed out until after Messi's farewell match against Benin. --- Source: [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/5/lionel-messi-argentina-farewell-final-match-benin?traffic_source=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/lionel-messi-set-to-play-final-international-match-against-benin/