Messi farewell match against Benin set for Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium

Lionel Messi will play the final match of his Argentina career on Wednesday against Benin at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium.

• The farewell match is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at River Plate's Monumental Stadium, a venue holding about 85,000 spectators.
• Benin's delegation endured a 23-hour economy-class journey, during which video analyst Jonas Bide lost consciousness from dizziness.
• Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, following Argentina's 2026 World Cup final loss and the death of his father.
• Messi holds Argentina's scoring record with 125 goals in 207 international appearances.