Lionel Messi to play final match for Argentina on October 6

Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for the Argentine national team in a farewell friendly match against Benin on October 6, 2026. The match will take place at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. All 85,000 available tickets for the event sold out in less than two hours, despite prices ranging from 51 euros to over 2,000 euros on resale platforms.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni revealed he pressured Messi to return for this final match shortly after the player announced his retirement in August, following the team's loss to Spain in the World Cup final. Scaloni stated that he insisted on this fixture because he wanted to personally oversee Messi's farewell. The event will feature a series of tributes, including a giant banner, video presentations, and guest speakers, with the possibility of a final address to the fans by Messi himself.

This match marks the 208th international cap for the veteran forward, who has scored 125 goals for his country. Messi’s decorated international career includes winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles, the Finalissima, and a 2008 Olympic gold medal.