Lionel Messi will represent Argentina for the final time tonight as the national team face Benin in Buenos Aires. The match, billed as his testimonial day, takes place at the Monumental Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 8pm local time (1am BST on Wednesday, October 7).
Messi's international farewell
The greatest footballer of all time retires from international duty with 208 caps and at least 125 goals, and he will hope to add to that tally in his final appearance. He announced his decision to retire after Argentina finished second at the World Cup, where Messi delivered a string of fine performances and inspired remarkable comebacks before being edged out by Spain in the final.
“I gave it all. I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” he wrote in August, announcing his intent to step back.
Benin's form and how to watch
This will be Benin’s third match of the international break, having drawn with Burkina Faso and beaten Mauritania 2-1 in their two prior outings.
In the UK and Ireland, Premier Sports holds the rights to Argentina's matches, including Messi's farewell against Benin. The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports 2, with coverage starting at midnight UK time. UK viewers can also stream the match via the Premier Sports website or app.
