Argentina will host Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental on 6 October, and the AFA has confirmed that Lionel Messi will be on the team sheet. The move is framed as a "deserved farewell" for the 39‑year‑old captain, who announced his retirement from international duty last month.
Why the call‑up matters
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, posted a message on social media saying the federation invited "the best player in the world, the icon of our selection, our captain Lionel Andrés Messi, to have a deserved farewell". The invitation is symbolic - it gives fans a chance to see Messi one last time in the colors of La Albiceleste on home soil.
Match details and opponent
The friendly will be played in Buenos Aires, with Benin travelling from Africa to provide a low‑key opponent. While the match will not affect any tournament standings, it offers a platform for younger players to test themselves alongside the legend.
Messi’s legacy in numbers
Messi debuted for Argentina in 2005 and has amassed over 170 caps, a record that still stands. He has scored more than 100 goals for his country, a tally that places him among the very best in South American history. At 39, his fitness levels remain high, and his presence on the pitch will still draw tactical attention from the opposition.
What the squad looks like
With Messi back for a single game, the coach can experiment with different formations. The usual 4‑3‑3 could shift to a 4‑2‑3‑1 to give the veteran a central role while allowing a younger striker to lead the line. The inclusion of a veteran also offers mentorship for the next generation of Argentine forwards.
Fan reaction and media buzz
Social media has erupted with tributes, hashtags, and nostalgic videos. Fans across the country are planning gatherings to watch the match, and ticket demand has surged despite the low‑profile opponent. The media is already calling the game "the last dance" for Messi in a blue jersey.
Looking beyond the farewell
After the friendly, Messi will return to his club duties, leaving the national team to rebuild around younger talent. The AFA will need to identify a new leader on the field, a task that will shape Argentina’s approach to the upcoming Copa América and World Cup qualifiers.
In short, the October friendly is less about the result and more about giving a legend a proper send‑off in front of the people who made him a household name.
Messi’s one‑off return is a masterstroke for the AFA, turning a routine friendly into a historic event that will boost morale and ticket sales. It also underscores the need for Argentina to plan a smooth transition to the post‑Messi era.
Tactically, the coach can afford to experiment with formations, knowing Messi’s presence will draw defensive focus. Strategically, the match offers a platform for emerging talents to showcase themselves alongside the legend, shaping squad selections for future competitive fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The match is scheduled for 6 October 2026 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Argentina will face Benin in a friendly that does not affect tournament standings.
Born on 24 June 1987, Messi will be 39 years old on the day of the friendly.