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Lionel Messi Set for Emotional International Retirement in Argentina Friendly Against Benin
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News18•06-10-2026, 22:45
Lionel Messi Set for Emotional International Retirement in Argentina Friendly Against Benin
- •Lionel Messi will play his final international match for Argentina against Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
- •The 39-year-old announced his retirement on August 31, concluding a historic career with a record 207 appearances, 125 goals, and 68 assists for La Albiceleste.
- •Teammates from the 2022 FIFA World Cup-winning squad and their families are expected to attend the farewell match.
- •Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is also set to retire from international football alongside Messi.
- •Argentina enters the match ranked second in the world, while Benin is ranked 89th and coached by Gernot Rohr.
Key Questions Answered
Lionel Messi is set to play his farewell international match for Argentina against Benin in a friendly on Wednesday at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Messi holds national records with 207 appearances, 125 goals, and 68 assists for Argentina. His major honors include the 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medal, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is also set to conclude his international career, while midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso could make their final appearances alongside Messi.
