Lionel Messi is set to bid farewell to the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026, when the World Cup holders face Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old was included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad after announcing his retirement from international football last month.
The AFA confirmed that Messi will feature specifically in the final fixture of Argentina’s upcoming series of friendlies, allowing him to say goodbye to the home supporters.
Messi leaves behind a remarkable international record. He has made 207 appearances for Argentina and scored 125 goals while helping the Albiceleste win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
AFA president Claudio Tapia said the federation wanted Messi to receive a farewell worthy of his contribution to the national team. The association has also invited members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families to attend the occasion.
Messi will not take part in Argentina’s earlier friendlies against Bolivia on September 30 in Córdoba or Burkina Faso on October 3 at the Monumental. The Benin encounter will therefore be his only appearance during the three-match international window.
The October 6 fixture will give Argentine supporters one final opportunity to watch their captain wear the famous No. 10 shirt for the national team, bringing the curtain down on a two-decade international career.
🚨🇦🇷 OFFICIAL: Lionel Messi will have a FAREWELL with the Argentina National Team on October 6.
He’s gonna say goodbye at Argentina’s friendly against Benin at the Monumental, Buenos Aires. pic.twitter.com/uVxo8PuuYP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 15, 2026