Lionel Messi set for Argentina farewell against Benin: kick-off time and how to watch

Lionel Messi is expected to make his farewell appearance for Argentina when the world champions face Benin in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

Kick-off is scheduled for 02:00 Saudi Arabia time and 03:00 United Arab Emirates time.

The match will be played at the home of River Plate, a venue with a capacity of about 85,000. A large crowd is expected to attend as Argentina’s captain takes part in what is being billed as the final chapter of his international career.

Messi’s departure will bring an emotional focus to a night celebrating a career that has spanned nearly two decades. The Argentina forward is the national team’s all-time leading goalscorer and has played a central role in the country’s most significant successes.

Among those achievements are Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar and victory in the Copa America.

Who is showing Argentina v Benin?

Digital platform Shasha has secured the rights to broadcast the friendly.

The match will be shown on Shasha with commentary from Fares Awad.

How can I watch the match online?

The Argentina against Benin friendly can be watched for free on the Shasha digital platform.

The fixture is expected to include a number of special tributes to Messi before kick-off, honouring the Argentina captain in front of the home supporters. Those events will form part of an evening dedicated to his international career and achievements with the national team.

Attention will centre on the Monumental as Argentina begin what is expected to be a major celebration of one of football’s most decorated players. The occasion will also give supporters the opportunity to see Messi in an Argentina shirt for what is described as his final international appearance.

The match details are:

– Fixture: Argentina v Benin – Competition: International friendly – Date: Wednesday, 7 October 2026 – Venue: Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires – Kick-off: 02:00 Saudi Arabia time; 03:00 United Arab Emirates time – Broadcaster: Shasha – Commentator: Fares Awad – Online viewing: Free on Shasha