Lionel Messi begins Argentina farewell with a traditional barbecue before Benin match

Lionel Messi has joined the Argentina squad at the Ezeiza training centre ahead of what is expected to be his final appearance for the national team, against Benin after midnight on Tuesday.

The Argentina forward arrived in the country several days ago on a private aircraft before visiting his home city of Rosario. He then travelled to Buenos Aires to link up with Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

According to A Bola, Messi had been expected to miss the match in Cordoba against Bolivia and Argentina’s emphatic victory over Burkina Faso. He will, however, be present at the Monumental on Tuesday for the third and final fixture of this international period.

Messi will mark the occasion by wearing a specially designed Argentina shirt, which will be added to the personal collection of trophies and awards he has accumulated during his career.

The shirt features two broad vertical stripes in light blue, with a white central panel decorated with the sun from the Argentine flag. Messi’s name and number are embroidered in gold.

Preparations for the Benin match began with a training session on Sunday, followed by a large barbecue, a traditional feature of Argentina’s national-team gatherings. A variety of meats were prepared, with Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia taking part in the cooking.

“All this for my sons,” Tapia wrote.

TyC Sports shared images of the gathering on 5 October 2026, describing it as “the national team’s barbecue ahead of Messi’s day”. The post said that, two days before the match against Benin, the Argentina squad had enjoyed “a classic that belongs to us”.

Argentina are due to train again on Monday, while Messi and Scaloni are expected to speak to the media before the game.

However, preparations within the Benin camp have been affected by the difficult circumstances facing the country, as well as further logistical problems. Similar issues had already affected Burkina Faso, who sent their under-23 side after the senior team refused to travel.

The match against Benin will therefore be Messi’s final opportunity to appear for Argentina during this international window, with the Monumental set to host the farewell occasion.