Lionel Messi will make his 208th and final appearance for Argentina when Lionel Scaloni’s side meet Benin in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ iconic Estadio Monumental on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old announced his international retirement in August after 21 years with Argentina. Although the World Cup final defeat by Spain was his last competitive appearance for his country, Messi will now have one final opportunity to play in front of the home supporters.
He has scored 125 goals in 207 matches for Argentina, making him both his country’s most-capped player and record goalscorer. That total includes 21 goals in 34 World Cup appearances, seven of which came during Argentina’s triumph in 2022, when Messi ended his country’s 36-year wait for football’s biggest prize.
Messi has also won two Copa America titles and a Finalissima with Argentina. He arrives in excellent form, having scored 12 goals in 13 matches for Inter Miami since the World Cup final, including a goal in each of his last four appearances.
The Estadio Monumental has hosted Messi 28 times during his international career. He will hope to mark his farewell by scoring against a 64th different nation.
Argentina returned to action with emphatic victories over Bolivia, 4-0, and Burkina Faso, 7-0. The latter fielded an inexperienced side because of travel problems. This will be the first meeting between Argentina and Benin, with the hosts ranked 87 places higher in the Fifa standings.
Benin, however, will arrive after making a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Following a 5-1 friendly defeat by Togo in June, they drew 1-1 with Burkina Faso before beating Mauritania 2-1 at home last Saturday.
Rodolfo Aloko of Charlotte FC scored both goals against Mauritania, taking Benin to four points from two matches as they pursue a second successive Africa Cup of Nations appearance. It was their first match with more than one goal since a 4-0 win over Lesotho in September 2025.
Benin have conceded no more than once in five of their past six matches, but face a major challenge against an Argentina side that has won its past six international friendlies. Argentina’s overall recent record is V, V, V, D, V, V; Benin’s is V, V, N, D, N, V, while Benin’s friendly record is V, V, N, D.
Juan Foyth and River Plate forward Thiago Almada miss out for Argentina because of injury. Nicolas Tagliafico remains doubtful after missing the wins over Bolivia and Burkina Faso with a physical problem.
Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso could return after sitting out those friendlies. Messi is expected to start, with Lautaro Martinez likely to make way. Nicolas Otamendi is also set for what could be his final Argentina appearance after announcing his international retirement in July.
Benin will be without right-back Abdoul Rachid Moumini because of administrative problems. Dokou Dodo has returned to Arab Contractors after featuring as a substitute in the first two friendlies, while three-cap forward Sahid Ngobi has joined the squad.
Probable teams
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.
