Lionel Messi’s Farewell Match in Buenos Aires
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi’s last appearance for the national team will be a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6. The veteran forward, who announced his retirement at the end of August, will have the chance to say goodbye on home soil. Scaloni, wh…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Argentina’s national team is preparing for a historic moment: Lionel Messi, the country’s most celebrated footballer, will play his final international match in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6. The game, set to take place at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, will allow Messi to bid farewell to the Argentine public in the city where he began his professional career.
Messi’s Final International Appearance
After announcing his retirement from international football at the end of August, Messi’s decision to participate in a farewell match was a surprise to many. The 39‑year‑old, who has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, was officially added to the squad for the friendly by coach Lionel Scaloni. The match will be Messi’s 159th cap for Argentina and his 100th goal for Inter Miami, a milestone he reached earlier in the month.
Scaloni said the game would give Messi “the chance to say goodbye the way he wants to.” He added that the atmosphere would be emotional, stating, “It will be hard not to cry that day, it’s a privilege to be there.” The coach, who guided Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 2022, expressed that he had done his part to ensure the former Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain star could have a proper send‑off in front of his home crowd.
Argentina’s Friendly Calendar
Argentina’s schedule for the coming weeks includes three friendly matches. The first, against Bolivia, will be played in Cordoba on September 30. The second, against Burkina Faso, will take place in Buenos Aires on October 3. The third, the farewell match for Messi, will be held on October 6 against Benin, also in Buenos Aires. The Estadio Monumental, with a capacity of 85,000, is expected to host a packed crowd, making the event a significant moment for Argentine football fans worldwide.
Scaloni’s Role and Future
Scaloni’s involvement in arranging Messi’s final appearance underscores his commitment to the player’s legacy. He stated, “I did my bit because I want to be there for his farewell and, since I don’t know if I’ll still be here in the future, we did everything possible so he could take part in this match.” While the coach declined to discuss his own future, noting that his contract expires at the end of the year, he emphasized that he has not yet had discussions with Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia regarding his continued role.
Scaloni also commented on Messi’s potential to win another Ballon d’Or, saying, “If the award is for the best player….” His remarks highlight the ongoing debate about whether Messi’s recent performances, including his 100th goal for Inter Miami, warrant another individual accolade.
Why This Match Matters
The friendly against Benin is more than a game; it is a ceremonial farewell to one of football’s greatest icons. For Messi, it represents the culmination of a storied international career that began in 2005 and saw him lift the FIFA World Cup in 2022. For Argentine fans, it is an opportunity to celebrate a national hero in his own country, surrounded by the passionate supporters who have followed him from his early days at Newell’s Old Boys to his stints with Barcelona, Paris Saint‑Germain, and Inter Miami.
Beyond the emotional significance, the match also serves as a moment for the Argentine Football Association to honor Messi’s contributions and to reflect on the nation’s footballing future. As the country prepares for the next generation of talent, Messi’s final appearance will be a benchmark for the legacy of excellence that future players will aspire to emulate.
What Happens Next?
As the date approaches, the Argentine media and fans are buzzing with anticipation. The national team’s training camps are set to intensify, and the club’s management will likely coordinate with the national side to ensure Messi’s availability. Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association will finalize the match’s logistical details, including ticket sales and security arrangements for the anticipated 85,000‑strong audience.
In the broader context, the friendly series provides a platform for Argentina to test new tactical approaches ahead of future competitive fixtures. It also offers a chance for the coaching staff to evaluate the squad’s depth and to integrate emerging talents who could fill the void left by Messi’s retirement from international play.
For Messi, the match will be a personal and professional milestone. It will close a chapter that began in 2005 and will leave an indelible mark on the history of Argentine football. Fans, players, and the coaching staff will all remember the day the stadium roared in celebration of a legend’s final bow.
As the world watches, the farewell match promises to be a memorable event, filled with emotion, history, and the spirit of Argentine football that has captivated fans worldwide for decades.
Key facts
- Messi’s final international game will be a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires
- Argentina’s friendly series includes matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin
- Coach Scaloni arranged Messi’s farewell appearance and emphasized its emotional impact
- Messi recently scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami
- Scaloni’s future as coach remains uncertain
- The match will be held at Estadio Monumental with an 85,000‑person capacity
Why it matters
Messi’s farewell match is a historic moment for Argentine football, offering fans a chance to honor a national legend and marking the end of an era while setting the stage for the next generation.
Frequently asked questions
When is Messi’s farewell match scheduled?
October 6, 2026, against Benin in Buenos Aires.
Where will the match be played?
River Plate’s Estadio Monumental.
What is the significance of the match?
It marks Messi’s final appearance for Argentina and serves as a ceremonial farewell.
Will Messi receive a Ballon d’Or after this match?
The award is still pending; Scaloni believes Messi deserves it.
What are Argentina’s other friendly matches?
Against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Lionel Messi to Play Final Argentina Game in Buenos Aires Friendly as Scaloni Hints at Emotional Farewell”
