Argentina vs Benin: Final Farewell for Messi in Buenos Aires Friendly

Argentina Prepares to Say Goodbye to Lionel Messi in Friendly Against Benin

On Tuesday, Argentina will host Benin in Buenos Aires for what will be Lionel Messi's final appearance with the national team. The iconic player is set to make his 208th and last international outing in front of a passionate home crowd at Estadio Monumental.

Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or eight times, announced his retirement from international soccer following Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Spain in the World Cup final. This friendly match offers fans a chance to see the legend play once more on Argentine soil.

Throughout his career with La Albiceleste, Messi scored 125 goals. His teammates have shown sharp form during this international break, netting 11 goals against Bolivia and Burkina Faso in recent friendlies. Now, their focus is on creating chances for Messi to leave with one last goal to his name.

Benin, known as the Cheetahs, aim to spoil the occasion despite facing a daunting challenge. They come into this match having won two of their past three games, including victories over Guinea and Mauritania, with a draw against Burkina Faso sandwiched between those results.

Score Prediction: Argentina Expected to Dominate

“I’m forever grateful for being part of Messi’s wonderful story in the Argentina national team,” said coach Lionel Scaloni ahead of the match. Scaloni has been instrumental in guiding Messi to triumphs including the World Cup and two Copa América titles, helping him emulate Diego Maradona’s stature in Argentine football history.

Emotions are expected to run high inside the stadium as Messi takes the field for the last time. The atmosphere will surely be bittersweet but is likely to end on a winning note against a Benin side ranked 93rd by FIFA.

The legendary No. 10 will be given every chance to shine, with teammates instructed to pass him the ball whenever possible. Fans can anticipate a moment of magic from the three-time world champion before he departs.

Argentina’s recent 7–0 win over Burkina Faso extended their unbeaten record against African teams to seven matches this decade. In contrast, Benin have struggled recently, losing five of their last nine matches and conceding at least three goals in four of those losses.

• Prediction: Argentina 4–0 Benin

Projected Lineups

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
• Defenders: Giay, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Medina
• Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Paz
• Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez

Messi is expected to lead the attack, possibly alongside Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez. Nicolás Otamendi will also feature in his final game, reaching 140 caps. Nicolás Tagliafico and Giovani Lo Celso may miss out due to minor injuries. Coach Scaloni likely won't change much from the previous lineup that scored seven goals, especially since several players were rested during the second half.

• Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou
• Defenders: Azongnitode, Roche, Tijani, T. Ouorou
• Midfielders: D’Almeida, Imourane; Y. Ouorou, Olaïtan, Aloko
• Forward: Aiyegun Tosin

Coach Gernot Rohr will miss Dokou Dodo and Rachid Moumini but has called up 21-year-old striker Sahid Ngobi, who could see some playing time. Forward Aiyegun Tosin, who recently scored his fourth international goal, will be the main threat to Argentina’s defense. Goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, confident after saving a penalty in a recent win, faces a tough challenge trying to contain Messi and Argentina’s attack.

Match Details

• Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Stadium: Estadio Monumental
• Date: Tuesday, October 6 / Wednesday, October 7
• Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (October 7)

Broadcast Information

• United States: ViX
• Canada: Not available
• Mexico: ViX Mexico
• United Kingdom: Premier Sports 2, Premier Sports Player