Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Lionel Messi Set for Argentina Farewell Against Benin
Argentina will play a friendly football match against Benin in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
The game is scheduled to begin at 4:30 AM India time.
Lionel Messi is expected to play for Argentina one last time.
The match is being called his “Last Tango.”
Messi announced his international retirement on August 31.
Argentina’s farewell comes after the team lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain.
Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families are expected to attend.
Nicolas Otamendi is also set to finish his international career.
Argentina will play Benin in a friendly at Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 AM IST; the event is being called Messi’s “Last Tango.”
Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, and is expected to lead Argentina out for one final time.
The farewell follows Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey.
Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families are expected; Nicolas Otamendi is also set to end his international career.
- Who
- Argentina and Benin, with Lionel Messi expected to play his final match for Argentina.
- What
- A friendly billed as Messi’s international farewell.
- When
- Wednesday at 4:30 AM IST.
- Where
- Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- To mark Messi’s international retirement with a farewell appearance; veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is also set to end his international career.
- Fixture
- Argentina vs Benin
- Match type
- Friendly
- Kickoff
- Wednesday, 4:30 AM IST
- Venue
- Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Farewell label
- “Last Tango”
- Messi retirement announcement
- August 31
- Argentina’s FIFA ranking
- Second; Benin is ranked 89th
- Argentina appearance and scoring records
- Messi has a record 207 appearances, 125 goals and 68 assists for Argentina
