Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for the Argentina national team in October during a friendly match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, according to head coach Lionel Scaloni. The fixture marks a formal farewell following Messi’s official international retirement in August after leading Argentina to a runner-up finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Farewell Match Scheduled for October in Buenos Aires
Argentina will host Benin on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental, providing a home crowd the opportunity to celebrate Messi’s international career. Scaloni announced the plans during a press conference, stating that a player of Messi’s stature deserves a proper closing moment. Messi concluded his sixth World Cup tournament in August, appearing in all eight matches and scoring eight goals. Over his international career, he accumulated 125 goals in official A-matches, including 21 goals at the World Cup level.
Reflecting on Messi’s departure, Scaloni emphasized the timing of the celebration. “It is the best time to send a tribute so that Messi can feel the affection of the people who love him,” Scaloni said, adding that managing the forward was the pinnacle of his coaching career and a unique experience that will be difficult to replicate.
Scaloni’s Future and Argentina’s Squad Transition
Beyond Messi’s farewell, questions remain regarding Scaloni’s tenure as head coach. Scaloni, who guided Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as well as the 2021 and 2024 Copa América tournaments, operates under a contract that expires in December. Scaloni confirmed his willingness to sit at the negotiating table with Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia to discuss future conditions.
The departure of veteran players like Messi and Nicolás Otamendi has triggered a broader generational shift within the national squad. Younger contributors such as Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández are expected to anchor the team moving forward, alongside newly called-up prospects Tomás Palacios, Román Vega, and Ezequiel Fernández. Scaloni noted that the upcoming matches offer these emerging players an essential platform to prove their capabilities on the international stage.
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