Argentina v Benin: Messi farewell adds extra edge to 1.88 goals bet

Argentina will host Benin in a sold-out friendly on Saturday 6 October 2026, with the occasion expected to centre on Lionel Messi’s farewell to the national team.

The match, scheduled for 23:00 GMT, comes after an outstanding start to the international window for Argentina, who defeated Bolivia 4-0 before following it with a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso. Cameroonian sports betting journalist and expert Arthur Wandji has given his predictions for the meeting.

Messi is set to win his 208th cap for the Albiceleste. Argentina’s captain, who holds the national records for both appearances and goals, will aim to mark his final international appearance with another influential attacking display.

Argentina will be without suspended pair Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes, but their recent attacking form remains formidable. They have scored 11 goals across their past two matches, including five in the first half against Burkina Faso.

Benin have lost only once in their past five matches and are unbeaten in their last four. They beat Mauritania 2-1 after drawing 1-1 with Burkina Faso, although this represents a major test against the world’s runners-up.

The Guepards will also be without Steve Mounie because of injury. Aiyegun Tosin and Rodolfo Aloko are expected to provide the main attacking threat, while Benin have scored in each of their past five matches in all competitions.

Recent form is listed as Argentina: V/V/D/V/V and Benin: V/N/D/N/V. Both halves have featured at least one goal in each of Benin’s last four matches.

The main betting options are Argentina to win and score more than 3.5 goals at 1.77, Argentina to score in both halves at 1.52, more than 1.5 goals in the first half at 1.88, Argentina to score more than 2.5 goals at 1.25, and Argentina to win without conceding at 1.28.

Wandji’s first selection is an Argentina victory with more than 3.5 total goals, priced at 1.77. Benin offer greater defensive resistance than Bolivia and Burkina Faso, but have conceded an average of two goals in each of their last four matches. Messi’s return and the significance of the occasion point towards a convincing Argentina win.

His second prediction is for Argentina to score in both halves at 1.52. Lautaro Martinez scored in the 19th minute against Bolivia before Nicolas Paz added another in the 29th, while Argentina were already 5-0 ahead at half-time against Burkina Faso. Benin’s scoring record should keep them competitive, but Argentina’s attacking depth favours goals before and after the interval.

The third recommendation is more than 1.5 goals in the first half at 1.88. Argentina scored twice before half-time against Bolivia and five times before the break against Burkina Faso. Benin conceded the opening goal before half-time against Burkina Faso, and all of their last five matches have contained at least one first-half goal.

Odds may change.