Lionel Messi has completed his final match for the Argentina national team, marking the end of an era for one of football’s greatest figures. The farewell fixture took place on the evening of October 6, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 7pm ET.
The event was held at the Estadio Monumental, the home stadium of River Plate and the largest venue in Argentina. The atmosphere was described as electric, with the stadium reaching full capacity well before the opening whistle.
Messi holds an impressive record at this specific ground. Over the course of 28 matches played for Argentina at the stadium, he remained undefeated, securing 22 victories and six draws. During those appearances, he netted 19 goals.
Argentina assembled a strong lineup for the match against Benin. The squad featured goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, with a defensive line comprising Agustín Giay, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Nicolás Tagliafico. In midfield, the team relied on Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul. The forward unit was led by Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, alongside Messi.
Benin as the opponent feels a bit strange for a farewell match. Didn’t fans expect a bigger name to share the stage with Leo?
I didn’t realize Messi went undefeated in 28 home games. That record is actually insane, even for him.
What a way to close the chapter. The atmosphere at Monumental must have been absolutely unforgettable for everyone there.