Lionel Messi will experience his last appearance for the Argentina national team on October 6, 2023, in a friendly match against Benin in Buenos Aires. The Argentine Football Federation has announced this.
A fitting farewell for the captain
Claudio Tapia, the president of the Argentine Football Federation, announced in a video statement that this match will provide Messi, the 39-year-old captain, with a "fitting farewell" in his homeland. The match will be held at the Monumental Stadium of River Plate, and Messi will have the opportunity to say goodbye to Argentine fans after more than two decades with the national team.
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Messi's achievements with the national team
Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2023, stating that he has "nothing more to offer." With over 200 matches and 125 goals for Argentina, he holds the record for the most appearances and goals in the history of his national team. Additionally, he was part of the Argentina national team that won the World Cup in 2022 and the Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
Messi's last official goal for the national team came in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Egypt. Argentina ultimately reached the final but lost 1-0 to Spain.
This match against Benin will be the last in a trio of friendly matches for Argentina, starting with a game against Bolivia at the Mario Kempes Stadium in Córdoba on September 30. The team will then face Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3.
This schedule of matches has been arranged following disciplinary actions imposed on Argentina due to incidents at the 2026 World Cup. FIFA's disciplinary committee has ordered that Argentina play their next two home matches at 50% capacity, although the second restriction has been suspended for a trial period.
After his international career, Messi will continue to play in MLS for Inter Miami.
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