Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi is preparing to wear Argentina’s shirt for the final time on Tuesday, October 6, when the national team faces Benin in a farewell friendly at the Monumental Stadium.
The 39 year old announced his international retirement on August 31 but accepted an invitation to return for a final appearance before home supporters.
Messi enters the occasion as Argentina’s record goalscorer and most capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. A cap means an appearance for a national team.
His farewell will close a senior international career that began in 2005 and brought Argentina the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Copa America is South America’s principal national team football tournament.
The success followed years of disappointment and a sometimes difficult relationship with supporters who questioned why his achievements at Barcelona had not translated into major international trophies.
After Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile on penalties, Messi briefly retired from international football before returning. His subsequent triumphs transformed that relationship, culminating in the World Cup victory over France in Qatar.
Argentina reached another World Cup final in 2026 but lost to Spain, denying Messi a second successive title.
The farewell also comes as coach Lionel Scaloni prepares the team for its next chapter. Veteran defender and vice captain Nicolas Otamendi, 38, is also scheduled to say goodbye on Tuesday.
Argentina approach the occasion after beating Burkina Faso 7–0 on Saturday.
The Benin fixture is a friendly, meaning it does not form part of a competitive tournament or qualification campaign. Its central significance is the opportunity for supporters to salute Messi’s national team career.
His departure from Argentina duty concerns international football; he continues to play club football for Inter Miami.
