ANKARA – Lionel Messi will make his final appearance for Argentina in a friendly against Benin on Oct. 6 at River Plate’s Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, the Argentine Football Association has confirmed.
AFA president Claudio Tapia said the match will serve as a farewell for the 39-year-old captain, who announced his retirement from international football on Aug. 31 after more than two decades with the national team.
Tapia said members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families have been invited to attend the send-off.
Messi ends his international career as Argentina’s record holder with 207 appearances and 125 goals. He helped the country win the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, while also reaching the World Cup final in 2014 and 2026.
The Benin match will be the last of three friendlies scheduled for Argentina, following games against Bolivia on Sept. 30 and Burkina Faso on Oct. 3.
Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer following his retirement from international duty.
