Lionel Messi will put on the Argentina’s sky blue-and-white jersey for the last time in his career on Wednesday, as the 2022 World Cup-winner prepares for an emotional farewell in front of his adoring fans in a stadium with a name to match his legacy: Monumental.
Some 85,000 Argentina fans will be on hand to watch the 39-year-old idol perform his wizardry in a friendly against Benin that brings down the curtain on 21-year international career at South America’s largest stadium, Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
The most-capped player in Argentine history is hanging up his boots two-and-a-half months after losing the World Cup final to Spain. “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” wrote when announcing his international retirement in August.
On Monday, he took part in his last training session with the team at the complex that bears his name in the Buenos Aires suburb of Ezeiza. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although following the death of his father, , two months ago, he revealed he may hang up his boots for good sooner than anticipated.
Situated to the west of Africa, the country of Benin is one of the few countries in the continent, which is being left in the shadows. With a population of approximately 15 million, as of 2026, Benin sits is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the northwest, and Niger to the northeast.
Having gained independence from France in 1960, Benin was formerly known as Dahomey, and residents use French as their official language. As far as their football is concerned, Benin stands 89th in the latest FIFA Rankings, and are known as “Cheetahs” on the football field.
Most of the players who play for Benin, ply their trade in second-tier clubs in Finland, Switzerland and the South African Premiership. About the national team, Benin have never qualified for the . However, their biggest achievement came in 2019 when Benin reached the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations.
For a team like Benin, the game against Argentina represents a remarkable occasion for the small African nation. This is also the first time, Benin are playing Argentina for the first time.
Certainly, Argentina’s choice of opponents for Messi’s farewell match, raised quite a few eyebrows. Based on several reports, the financial aspect of one of the reasons Argentina chose Benin. Compared to other higher-ranked African nations, facing Benin will be financially viable for Argentina Football Federation.
Messi is not only Argentina’s record appearance-maker but also its leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 games, as well as a record 68 assists. During his time with the Albiceleste, Argentina were also crowned 2005 World Youth Champions, 2008 U-23 Olympic champions and they won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. They also won the 2022 Finalissima, a match between the champions of South America and Europe.
Messi’s ultimate glory came in 2022, when Argentina defeated France to win the World Cup in Qatar. Messi was also a part of the Argentina squad that lost in the 2014 and 2026 World Cup finals and shock humiliation by Chile in the 2016 Copa America final.
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; Tosin
