Lionel Messi will have the love and respect of Argentina Tuesday night when he plays his last game for his country.
Messi will wear the blue and white stripes for the last time in his farewell match against Benin in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old announced his intention to retire from international football on August 31, shortly after the acrimonious World Cup final defeat to Spain and the death of his father Jorge.
Messi was not considered for the previous two games of this international break, wins against Bolivia and Burkina Faso, but will lead the team tomorrow at the Estadio Monumental before focusing on his club career with Inter Miami.
It promises to be an emotional occasion for teammates and spectators alike, with Messi playing 207 games and scoring 125 goals in a two-part Argentine career. The first saw him struggle for acceptance from a public that saw Messi leave for Europe at the age of 13 and become a focal point for Barcelona.
He struggled to live up to comparisons with Diego Maradona and, after a fourth final defeat in nine years, Messi retired from international football in 2016 after missing a penalty shoot-out as Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile.
He was persuaded to return, but his Argentine career did not take off until the appointment of Lionel Scaloni as coach. Scaloni found a way to build around Messi and win trophies with two Copa Americas and, most importantly, the 2022 World Cup all falling to Argentina.
The 2026 World Cup was a collective disappointment – Argentina’s performance in the final cast a shadow over their finals run – but Messi shone throughout the tournament despite his advancing years.
Credit should be given to Scaloni for dragging Messi further and he admits it will be a tough night on Tuesday. He said: “I imagine Tuesday’s game will be very emotional, for everyone, including Leo, it will be an unforgettable day. It will be his day and that of his teammates, who also gave him his greatest footballing joy. I am grateful to be able to enjoy it.”
The only slight disappointment is the fact that Argentina were unable to attract opposition of a higher caliber to mark the occasion.
Benin, at least, are coming off a win after beating Mauritania in qualifying for the African Cup of Nations.
Argentina v Benin team news
Messi will start, as will his long-time international teammates Nicolás Otamendi, Rodrigo de Paul and Giovani Lo Celso. Left back Nicolas Tagliafico is an injury doubt. Leandro Paredes and Nanhuel Molina remain suspended.
Benin will be without right back Abdoul Rachid Moumini.
Planned lineups for Argentina-Benin
Argentina: Martinez; Giay, Otamendi, Romero, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Paz; Messi, Alvarez
Benin: Djandjinou; Azongnitode, Roche, Tijani, Ourou; Hassane, D’Almeida; Aloko, Olaitan, Ourorou; toxin
Statistics Argentina-Benin
- This is the first time Argentina and Benin have played each other
- Benin will be the 64th different nation that Messi faces with Argentina
- This will be his 29th appearance at the Estadio Monumental. The farewell sold out in less than two hours.
- Since the World Cup final, Argentina have scored 11 goals without conceding: 4-0 against Bolivia in Córdoba and 7-0 against Burkina Faso.
- Argentina is 87 places above Benin in the FIFA world rankings
Where to watch Argentina v Benin
Argentina against Benin will start at 12 am this Wednesday. You can watch it in the UK Premier Sports and stream through Premier Sports Player.
Prediction Argentina – Benin
The result is not really important, but Messi does not want to go out in defeat. Fortunately for him, Benin are not good enough to challenge Argentina and the hosts should cruise to victory with Messi playing a key role.
Prediction: Argentina 6-0 Benin
