Lionel Messi will represent Argentina for the final time tonight as the team faces Benin in Buenos Aires.
The forward retires from international duty with 208 caps and at least 125 goals, though he will hope to add to that tally on his testimonial day.
Retirement announcement
Messi announced his decision to step back after Argentina finished second at the World Cup, where he delivered a series of fine performances and inspired notable comebacks. Argentina were edged out by Spain in the final.
“I gave it my 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 retire.
Match details and how to watch
Messi's final Argentina appearance is against Benin today, Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The match takes place at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, with kick-off at 8pm local time, which is 1am BST on Wednesday, October 7.
In the UK and Ireland, Premier Sports holds the rights to Argentina's matches, including this farewell. The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports 2, with coverage starting at midnight UK time. UK viewers can stream the match via the Premier Sports website or app.
This will be Benin's third match of the international break, following a draw with Burkina Faso and a 2-1 defeat of Mauritania.
