Lionel Messi starts for Argentina in farewell match against Benin

Lionel Messi will captain Argentina from the start in his farewell appearance for the national team against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The friendly is expected to mark Messi’s final match in the Argentina shirt after he announced his decision to retire from international football following the 2026 World Cup.

Messi, who has made 207 appearances for Argentina, has scored 125 goals and provided 66 assists during his international career. The fixture will give supporters the opportunity to celebrate one of the longest and most successful careers in the history of the national team.

Argentina’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez

Defenders: Agustin Giay, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico

Midfielders: Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez

Messi has also unveiled the shirt he will wear for his final Argentina appearance in collaboration with German sportswear company Adidas. Posting on his personal Instagram account, he wrote: “The last match… a shirt for life.”

The Argentine Football Association plans to honour Messi in front of the home supporters after his lengthy international career.

“We invited Messi to a farewell ceremony worthy of him on 7 October here in Argentina,” said Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia in comments to the media.

“We are also inviting all the players from the national team who won the World Cup in Qatar, together with their families, to join him in a match that will be unforgettable for all the national-team supporters.”

Messi decided to retire from international football after Argentina’s defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, although he revealed the decision several days ago following the death of his father a few weeks earlier.

His international career began in 2005 and has lasted for more than 20 years. During that time, Messi has helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022 and finish runners-up in 2014 and 2026.

He has also won the Copa America twice, in 2021 and 2024, adding major international honours to his record with Argentina.