Lionel Messi set for Argentina farewell against Benin in Buenos Aires

Lionel Messi will make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday, when the world champions face Benin in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ iconic Estadio Monumental.

The 39-year-old announced his international retirement in August after a 21-year career. His final competitive match for Argentina was the World Cup final defeat by Spain, but he will now play one last time for his country in an emotional farewell.

Messi has made 28 of his 207 previous appearances at the Monumental and will retire as Argentina’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals. His record includes 21 goals in 34 World Cup matches.

Seven of those World Cup goals came during Argentina’s triumph in 2022, when Messi led his country to a first world title in 36 years. He also won two Copa America titles and a Finalissima during an outstanding international career.

Since the 2022 World Cup final, Messi has scored 12 goals in 13 appearances for Inter Miami, finding the net in each of his past four matches.

Argentina have returned to action with emphatic victories over Bolivia and Burkina Faso, winning 4-0 and 7-0 respectively. Burkina Faso fielded an inexperienced side because of travel problems. Tuesday’s match will be the first meeting between Argentina and Benin, with Messi aiming to score against a 64th different nation.

Benin, ranked 87 places below Argentina in the FIFA rankings, will nevertheless hope to make an impression in a high-profile fixture. After losing 5-1 to Togo in their final friendly of the June international window, they began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso.

They followed that result with a 2-1 home victory over Mauritania last Saturday. Charlotte FC’s Rodolfo Aloko scored both goals, taking Benin to four points from two matches as they pursue a second successive Africa Cup of Nations appearance.

It was Benin’s first game with more than one goal since their 4-0 win against Lesotho in September 2025. They have conceded no more than once in five of their past six matches, although containing Argentina will be a major challenge.

Argentina’s friendly form is: V, V, V, V, V, V. Their overall form is: V, V, V, D, V, V. Benin’s friendly form is: V, V, N, D, while their overall form is: V, V, N, D, N, V.

Juan Foyth and Thiago Almada have withdrawn from the Argentina squad because of injuries. Nicolas Tagliafico remains doubtful after missing the wins over Bolivia and Burkina Faso with a physical problem.

Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso could return after being left out of the previous two friendlies. Messi is expected to start, with Lautaro Martinez likely to make way. Nicolas Otamendi, who announced his international retirement in July, has joined the squad specifically for what could also be his final appearance.

Benin will be without right-back Abdoul Rachid Moumini because of administrative problems. Dokou Dodo has returned to Arab Contractors after featuring as a substitute in the first two friendlies, while three-cap forward Sahid Ngobi has been added to the squad.

Probable teams

Argentina: Martinez; Giay, Otamendi, Romero, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Paz; Messi, Alvarez.

Benin: Djandjinou; Azongnitode, Roche, Tijani, Ourou; Hassane, D’Almeida; Aloko, Olaitan, Ourorou; Tosin.