The match at Buenos Aires’ Monumental is expected to be Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the national team. He has unveiled a special shirt for the occasion.
Argentina will face Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, in what is expected to be Lionel Messi’s final match for the national team. Defender Nicolás Otamendi is also preparing to leave the side.
Messi has arrived in Argentina and is expected to join the squad at its training base in Ezeiza. A special shirt has been prepared, featuring the country’s flag in a vertical design, a gold number 10 and Messi’s name. He revealed it on Instagram with the message: “Last match… A shirt for a lifetime.”
The game would be Messi’s 208th for Argentina. He has scored 125 goals, the most in the national team’s history. His major honours include the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2025 Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima.
Benin are due to face a non-African opponent for the first time. Forward Steve Mounié described the fixture as a major opportunity for his country and said his team was excited to take part in Messi’s farewell.