Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina tonight, as the national team takes on Benin in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, is bidding farewell to international football after a career spanning more than two decades.
When and where is the match?
The match kicks off at 8pm local time in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, which is 1am UK time on Wednesday, October 7. The venue is the Monumental Stadium, where Messi will lead his nation out for what is expected to be an emotional evening.
How to watch in the UK and Ireland
In the UK and Ireland, Premier Sports holds the broadcast rights to Argentina's matches, including this farewell fixture. The match will be shown 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.
Why is Messi retiring from Argentina?
Messi announced his international retirement in August, following the 2026 World Cup. In his announcement, he wrote: “I gave it my all. I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.”
His final appearance caps an Argentina career that delivered the trophies he had long chased: Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 World Cup. He also reached the World Cup finals in 2018 and 2026. Heading into the match, Messi is Argentina's record appearance holder and leading scorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals.
Why Benin as the final opponent?
The choice of Benin, ranked 89th in the world by FIFA, is unusual but has a practical explanation. According to The Guardian, a lower-ranked international opponent commands a relatively low match fee compared to a more established, higher-profile team. This allows the Argentine Football Association to retain a larger share of the revenue generated from the fixture.
The event is a friendly arranged for Messi to bow out in front of a home crowd. Members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families have been invited to attend. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni recently said: “It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone. Everyone wants to be at this match, and now it’s just about enjoying it.”
