Argentina’s 39‑year‑old captain Lionel Messi will play his farewell match on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The game marks the end of Messi’s international career, a pivotal moment for Argentine football.
Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou said he is not “here to be tourists in Argentina”, vowing to stop the Argentine legend even if Messi takes a decisive penalty. He said his job is to prevent Messi from scoring and will compete seriously today.