Lionel Messi will lace up his boots one last time in the famous blue-and-white stripes of Argentina on Tuesday night, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary international career that spanned more than two decades and delivered the nation’s long-awaited World Cup triumph. The 39-year-old Inter Miami star is set to make his 208th and final appearance for the Albiceleste in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Mas Monumental.
The match, already dubbed “the last dance” and “the last tango” by fans and media, will take place in front of a sold-out crowd of around 85,000 supporters in Buenos Aires. The legendary player had already thought of announcing his retirement after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but it was delayed following his father’s death.
When and where to watch Lionel Messi's farewell match for Argentina in India?
The Inter Miami forward announced his retirement from international football at the end of August, roughly six weeks after Argentina’s heartbreaking extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey. The loss ended his bid to become the first player from Argentina to defend the World Cup title. Not even Maradona could do it. However, the dream ended in pain as Spain went on to win their second major. Italy and Brazil remain the only nations to defend the World Cup titles, so far.
Meanwhile, following the end of his 2026 World Cup journey in the final, Messi decided to hang up his boots from the international football side. In an emotional social media statement, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner explained that he had written the message two days after the final but waited before making it public, a decision reinforced by the recent death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi. 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.”
Messi added:
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul, but I realise that the time has come.”
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) quickly moved to organise a fitting send-off for its legendary superstar. President Claudio Tapia announced in mid-September that Messi had accepted an invitation to play one final home match. He said:
“We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andrés Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves on October 6 here in Argentina.”
Coach Lionel Scaloni named Messi in the squad solely for the Benin fixture, along with fellow 2022 World Cup winners Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso. Several other members of that historic Qatar squad, including Angel Di Maria, who retired from international duty in 2024, have been invited to attend with their families. The evening is expected to feature tributes, videos and emotional moments before, during and after the match.
When is Lionel Messi’s farewell match? Argentina vs Benin schedule
Lionel Messi's farewell match, aka Argentina vs Benin, is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7 at 4:30 AM IST at Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Lionel Messi’s farewell match live info: Argentina vs Benin live telecast and live stream details
Lionel Messi’s farewell match, aka Argentina vs Benin, will not be televised in India. However, fans can live stream his final match on ZEE5.
Lionel Messi arrives at the farewell as Argentina’s record holder in several categories
Messi arrives at the farewell as Argentina’s all-time leading appearance-maker and record goalscorer, with 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 matches before Tuesday’s game. His international legacy includes the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the Finalissima. He captained the side through its most successful era in generations, transforming a team long haunted by near-misses into serial champions.
Messi joined the national team camp in recent days, appearing in training and sharing moments with teammates that have already circulated widely on social media. Photos posted by the Seleccion Argentina show the captain smiling alongside younger squad members, a visual representation of the torch-passing the AFA has stated. His family, including wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons, is expected to be present at the Monumental.
For many Argentines, Tuesday’s match closes a chapter that began with Messi’s debut as an 18-year-old in 2005. That first appearance ended in a red card against Hungary, an inauspicious start to a career that would eventually redefine the nation’s football identity. The relationship between Messi and the Argentine public was not always smooth in the early years, but the shared joy of the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar forged an unbreakable bond. The last dance is definitely going to be a very emotional one, not just for the icon but for the whole nation and his fans worldwide.
Argentina have never played Benin
Talking about the opponents, Benin, ranked around 93rd in the FIFA standings, has never faced Argentina before. Coached by Gernot Rohr and featuring experienced striker Steve Mounie, the West African side arrives in South America after recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. While the result is expected to favour the hosts heavily, the occasion itself transcends the scoreline. Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou has already made clear that his side will treat the match as competitive rather than ceremonial, stating he will do everything possible to stop Messi from scoring.
Coach Lionel Scaloni ready for post-Messi era at Argentina
Argentina has used the current international window to blood its next generation. Without Messi, Scaloni’s side defeated Bolivia 4-0 in Cordoba and Burkina Faso 7-0 in Buenos Aires, with young talents such as Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni among the scorers. Those results have underlined the depth available as the post-Messi era begins. Cristian Romero is widely expected to inherit the captain’s armband, with support from players including Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Scaloni has spoken of the emotional weight of the occasion. He said, after the victory over Burkina Faso:
“I imagine Tuesday’s game will be very emotional for everyone, including Leo. It will be an unforgettable day.”
Scaloni added:
“It will be his day, and also that of his teammates who helped give him his greatest joy in soccer.”
After the final whistle, Messi is expected to return to the United States to continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract through 2029. At club level, he continues to perform at a high level, but the international stage that once defined so much of his public life will no longer feature him. For now, Messi has not hinted at any return to club football and will continue to entertain his fans and the football world with his magic in Major League Soccer.
ALSO READ: India's display vs Brazil praised by many, question marks over Vinicius Jr. and team's display