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[SPORTS] · Argentina, Brunei, Bolivia, Burkina Faso · 120 sources (showing 100)

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Lionel Messi to play final Argentina match on October 6

Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi will play his final international match on October 6, 2026, against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The announcement was made by AFA President Claudio Tapia, who described the event as a deserved farewell for the player who announced his retirement following the 2026 World Cup.

The match against Benin will be the final fixture in a series of three friendly matches scheduled for the September-October FIFA window. Argentina is also set to face Bolivia on September 30 at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Córdoba, and Burkina Faso on October 3 at the Monumental. Due to FIFA sanctions following the 2026 World Cup, the matches against Bolivia and Burkina Faso will be played at 50 percent stadium capacity.

Lionel Scaloni has included Messi in the squad for the Benin match, alongside other 2022 World Cup winners who have been invited to join the celebration. The AFA plans to host a special tribute for Messi, involving his former teammates and family. Messi retires as Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 appearances.

Entities

Argentina · Argentina Football Association · Argentina national football team · Argentine Football Association · Benin · Benin national football team · Claudio Tapia · Estadio Monumental · FIFA · Lionel Messi · Lionel Scaloni

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