Messi set for final Argentina appearance in farewell against Benin

Lionel Messi will play his final international match for Argentina when the world champions face Benin in a friendly in Buenos Aires this week.

The 39-year-old is bringing his career with the national team to an end after helping Argentina win two Copa America titles, an Olympic gold medal and the 2022 World Cup.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has decided to retire from international football following Argentina’s defeat in last summer’s World Cup final, ending an era for the Albiceleste.

Messi will, however, have one final opportunity to wear Argentina’s white-and-blue shirt in an official international fixture. The Argentine Football Association is planning a farewell befitting the country’s captain and most celebrated player.

“I want to announce to all Argentina national team supporters that, after consulting with coach Lionel Scaloni, we have decided to invite the best player in the world, the emblem of our national team and our captain Lionel Andres Messi for the farewell he deserves. Here, in Argentina,” Argentine Football Association president Claudio Fabian Tapia said.

The final match will take place in the early hours of Tuesday 6 October into Wednesday 7 October, with kick-off scheduled for 1:00 BST in the Netherlands. The fixture at Estadio Monumental will be Messi’s last appearance for Argentina.

The stadium, in the capital Buenos Aires, is the regular home of River Plate.

The match will be Messi’s 208th international appearance. He currently has 125 goals for Argentina, having represented the national side across a record-breaking career.

Demand for the farewell has been high, with every ticket now sold for the meeting with Benin.

Messi will also wear a redesigned Argentina shirt for the occasion, featuring gold details as part of the special kit prepared for his final international appearance.