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Lionel Messi to play final Argentina match on October 6
Lionel Messi is set to play his final match for the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026, in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The legendary forward, who has recorded 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 matches, will wear a special commemorative jersey featuring gold accents, his name, number 10, and a Sun of May design.
As Messi prepares for his departure, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is also focusing on the team's future. The AFA has reportedly offered coach Lionel Scaloni a new contract with a 2+2 year structure to ensure continuity through the 2030 World Cup. The upcoming FIFA international window will see Argentina play Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3, though Messi will not participate in those specific matches to focus exclusively on his farewell against Benin.
Ticket prices for the final match have been announced, ranging from approximately 90,000 to 480,000 Argentine pesos, with special rates available for children. The match marks the end of a 21-year international career for the captain.
Entities
AFA · Argentina national football team · Argentina national team · Argentine Football Association · Benin · Benin National Team · Claudio Tapia · Estadio Monumental · Inter Miami CF · Lionel Messi · Lionel Scaloni
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] Lionel Messi will play his final match for the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026. www.marquesina.mx · www.elcomercio.com · www.mediafax.ro · web.gekisaka.jp · www.football-zone.net · +3 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Argentina will play matches against Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3 before the Benin match. www.elcomercio.com · web.gekisaka.jp · clubmidland.com.ar · notiespartano.com · www.radiogol.com.ar
- [● 5 SOURCES] Messi will wear a special edition jersey featuring gold accents and a Sun of May design for his farewell. www.marquesina.mx · www.football-zone.net · web.gekisaka.jp · clubmidland.com.ar · notiespartano.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The President of the Argentine Football Association described the farewell as a departure Messi deserves. www.mediafax.ro
- [● 2 SOURCES] Messi has recorded 125 goals and 68 assists in 207 matches for Argentina. www.marquesina.mx · www.elcomercio.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The final match will be a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. www.marquesina.mx · www.elcomercio.com · web.gekisaka.jp · www.sdpnoticias.com · clubmidland.com.ar · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ticket prices for the farewell match range from approximately 90,000 to 480,000 Argentine pesos. www.marquesina.mx · www.elcomercio.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The AFA has offered coach Lionel Scaloni a new four-year contract with a 2+2 year structure. www.jpnn.com · notasdeactualidad.com.ar