
October 6th, 2026
One can anticipate an outpouring of emotion when Lionel Messi takes to the pitch for a farewell appearance for Argentina on Tuesday.
The friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires has been christened “The Night That No One Wants to End”, as Messi dons his country’s colours for the final time.
The 39-year-old soccer icon declared his retirement from international competition in the weeks that ensued after the World Cup final defeat at the hands of Spain, remarking, “The time has come.”
The Argentine Football Association enticed him into making one final appearance for “the farewell he deserves”, and thousands of supporters are anticipated to demonstrate their appreciation at Estadio Monumental.
The AFA asserted that the match would "transcend sports" and be "full of emotion."
Messi shared on social media images of his arrival to join the national team for the final time, alongside his last training sessions.
"Moments of particular significance that I am certain I shall look back upon with longing," he wrote.
Messi fell just short of winning back-to-back World Cups when defending champion Argentina was beaten 1-0 by Spain in the final in July in New Jersey.
He fulfilled his ultimate ambition of leading his country to victory four years earlier in Qatar — emulating the Argentine great Diego Maradona.
Having represented Argentina in 207 matches, Messi concludes his career as the nation's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, 21 of which came in World Cups.
He featured in a record-equalling six World Cups, alongside his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo.
He briefly stepped away from Argentina duty in 2016, after which he went on to enjoy the most fruitful spell of his international career, clinching Copa América titles in 2021 and ’24, alongside the 2022 World Cup.
He remains active at club level with Inter Miami, having recently secured the Campeones Cup—his fourth trophy with the team.
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October 6th, 2026

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