Lionel Messi is set to play his final match for Argentina on Tuesday, October 6, as the World Cup-winning captain takes the field against Benin in a special international friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The match will mark the end of Messi’s more than two-decade international career.

The 39-year-old will make his 208th appearance for Argentina.

He currently holds the national records for appearances, goals, and assists, with 207 caps, 125 goals, and 68 assists.

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His final appearance will take place in front of around 85,000 fans at the Monumental.

Messi leaves the national team with a major collection of trophies.

He helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

He also led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they finished runners-up to Spain.

The farewell match will bring together several members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning team and a new generation of players.

Defender Cristian Romero is expected to take over the captain’s armband after Messi’s departure.

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Messi had announced his decision to retire from international football in August.

However, he will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract until 2028.

The Argentina-Benin match is scheduled to kick off at 8 pm local time in Buenos Aires.

For viewers in India, the match will begin at around 4:30 am on Wednesday, October 7.

The match will be available for live streaming on ZEE5, while there is no live television broadcast scheduled in India.

For Argentina and its fans, the match will mark the end of the Messi era.