Messi set for Argentina farewell against Benin
Lionel Messi is set to wear the Argentina shirt for the final time tonight when the world champions face Benin in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The match will kick off at 8pm local time on Tuesday, October 6, or 5am on Wednesday, October 7 in Bangladesh. The game marks the end of Messi’s international career after more than two decades with Argentina.
Messi, 39, announced his retirement from international football in August. He leaves the national team as its record appearance-maker and leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
His Argentina career included the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He also helped Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final, where they were beaten by Spain.
“I gave it my all. I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.”
The farewell match is expected to draw a huge crowd at the Monumental, with tickets selling out in less than two hours. Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families have also been invited to the occasion.
The Argentine Football Association has organised a special “Gracias, Leo” fan festival at the University of Buenos Aires’ Ciudad Universitaria sports grounds. The event will feature a giant screen showing the match, along with live music and other activities, and will run from noon until midnight local time.
Messi has already trained with the Argentina squad ahead of the match. While his international career is ending, he will continue playing for Inter Miami at club level.
Benin are playing their third match of the international break, having drawn with Burkina Faso before beating Mauritania 2-1.
How to watch Messi’s final Argentina match
The match is scheduled to begin at 5am Bangladesh time on Wednesday, October 7.
In Bangladesh, ZEE 5, and Unite 8 holds the rights to Argentina’s matches and will broadcast the farewell on ZEE 5, Unite 8 Sports 1, and Unite 8 Sports 1 HD, with coverage beginning at dawn Bangladesh time.
Messi’s final Argentina game
Match: Argentina vs Benin
Venue: Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Kick-off: 8pm local time, 5am Bangladesh time on October 7
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