Lionel Messi is set to play his final international match for Argentina on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires against Benin, marking the definitive end of his historic two-decade tenure with the national team.
The 39-year-old superstar will step onto the pitch in front of 85,000 spectators to formally hand over the captaincy after earning 207 caps, scoring 125 goals, and providing 68 assists—a career highlighted by a FIFA World Cup title, two Copa América trophies, and a Finalissima victory. Following Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey, Messi announced his international retirement in late August, citing the need to make way for emerging young talent. Former teammates, including 2022 World Cup winner Ángel Di María, will join the squad to witness the ceremonial transition. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that defender Cristian Romero will inherit the captain's armband, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez serving in leadership roles. While veterans Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso join Messi for this final farewell match, young talents like Franco Mastantuono, Gianluca Prestianni, and Nico Paz represent the core of Argentina's future. Coach Scaloni noted that decision regarding the retirement or re-assignment of the iconic number 10 jersey will be finalized only after Messi's farewell match concludes.
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