Lionel Messi's Farewell Match: Full Guide to His Final Argentina Appearance vs Benin
Lionel Messi will close out a 21-year international career on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, when Argentina hosts Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, with kickoff set for 20:00 local time (9pm Argentina time).
Where to Watch the Match on TV and Streaming?
Broadcast coverage varies by region:
United Kingdom & Ireland: Premier Sports, with online streaming for subscribers (plans starting around £13.99/month)
India: ZEE5, streaming the match on October 7 local time
Romania: Digi Sport, broadcasting exclusively
Because of time zone differences, several outlets list the match locally as October 7 despite the October 6 Argentina kickoff.
Farewell Match Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, October 6, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 20:00 / 9:00 PM Argentina time |
| Opponent | Benin |
| Venue | Estadio Monumental (Buenos Aires) |
| Capacity | 85,000 spectators |
| Context | International friendly / national team farewell |
| Appearance Number | Messi's 208th for Argentina |
Why Messi Is Retiring From International Football
Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team last month, bringing an end to a career that began when he debuted as an 18-year-old substitute against Hungary in 2005. Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final had many fans believing that match was already his last appearance for La Albiceleste. Rather than let that be the final memory, the Argentina Football Association organized a dedicated send-off fixture.
AFA president Claudio Tapia explained the decision on social media, saying the federation wanted to invite the world's best player, the national team's icon and captain, to have the farewell he deserves in Argentina.
Messi's Career Numbers by the Numbers
Over more than two decades with Argentina, Messi has racked up the following records heading into his farewell:
- 207 appearances prior to the Benin match (208th after it) — Argentina's all-time record
- 125 goals — Argentina's all-time top scorer
- 2022 FIFA World Cup champion
- Two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024)
- Three World Cup finals reached (2014, 2022, 2026)
- Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner
Argentina's Full October International Window
The Benin fixture caps off a three-match homecoming window for Argentina following the World Cup. Reported kickoff details have varied slightly by outlet, but the sequence is:
- September 30 / October 1: Argentina faces Bolivia in Córdoba — without Messi
- October 3 / October 4: Argentina faces Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires — also without Messi
- October 6: Argentina faces Benin at the Monumental — Messi's lone appearance of the window
Messi is expected to fly in specifically for the farewell match rather than join the squad for the full window.
How to Get Tickets for Messi's Farewell Match
Tickets went on sale on September 22 through the Deportick platform, priced between roughly 90,000 and 480,000 Argentine pesos (about $59 to $317 USD). Demand was so overwhelming that the platform reportedly crashed, and local media indicated the match sold out within two hours. Resale markets have since seen significant markups as fans scramble for remaining seats.
The Jersey and Ceremony
Adidas has unveiled a special commemorative Albiceleste jersey for the occasion, featuring Messi's personal logo and a gold No. 10. The AFA also plans to reunite members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, inviting former champions and their families to attend alongside Messi. Former teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are confirmed to be present as well.
Why the Estadio Monumental Was Chosen
The venue, home to River Plate and Argentina's largest stadium, carries deep emotional significance for Messi, having hosted some of the most memorable moments of his international career — including a hat-trick against Bolivia and multiple World Cup qualifying wins.
What to Expect From the Opponent, Benin
Benin, nicknamed the Cheetahs, are coached by Gernot Rohr and arrive as a footnote to the occasion — the match is a friendly built entirely around honoring Messi rather than being a competitive fixture with stakes for either side.
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