Argentina stand on the threshold of a new era. Following Lionel Messi's official announcement that he will step away from international football, the Albiceleste are preparing to bid farewell to the greatest player in the history of the sport.
The 39-year-old announced last month that he had "nothing left to give" in the wake of Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain on July 19. Messi orchestrated the most celebrated era in modern Argentine football, captaining his nation to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 alongside the pinnacle triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. While his competitive international journey has reached its conclusion, Messi will don the iconic blue and white stripes one final time in what promises to be an emotionally charged farewell fixture.
Here is the complete preview for Messi's 208th and ultimate appearance in Argentine colors:
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
Click here to watch the match LIVE now! 🔴 ▶
1. The Opponent: West African Challengers Benin
Argentina launched this international window with an emphatic 4-0 dismantling of Bolivia before Lionel Scaloni's charges faced Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires.
On Tuesday night, Messi returns to center stage against Benin, representing the 64th different international opponent of his senior career:
Chasing a Final Milestone: Should Messi find the net, Benin would become the 46th different national team against whom he has scored, putting a clinical finishing touch on a peerless international scoring record.
Key Figures: Benin are guided from the technical area by veteran manager Gernot Rohr, while former Huddersfield Town forward Steve Mounie captains the Cheetahs in attack.
2. The Venue: The Iconic Estadio Monumental
Fittingly, Messi’s farewell match will take place at Argentine football's spiritual cathedral: the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Historic Setting: The home ground of River Plate boasts an electric capacity of just over 85,000 spectators, all set to deliver a thunderous tribute.
Messi’s Fortress: The Monumental has long been Messi’s personal fortress. Across 28 senior international appearances at the venue, he has never tasted defeat—compiling 22 victories, six draws, 19 goals, and 11 assists.
3. Date, Local Kickoff & Worldwide Viewing Times
The farewell match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM local time in Argentina on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Here is when fans across the globe can tune in:
The Americas:
- Buenos Aires (Argentina) / São Paulo (Brazil): Tuesday, Oct 6 at 8:00 PM
- United States (Eastern / EDT): Tuesday, Oct 6 at 7:00 PM
- United States (Central / CDT): Tuesday, Oct 6 at 6:00 PM
- United States (Mountain / MDT): Tuesday, Oct 6 at 5:00 PM
- United States (Pacific / PDT): Tuesday, Oct 6 at 4:00 PM
Europe & Africa:
- United Kingdom (BST): Wednesday, Oct 7 at 12:00 AM (Midnight)
- Central European Time (CEST): Wednesday, Oct 7 at 1:00 AM
- Eastern European Time (EEST): Wednesday, Oct 7 at 2:00 AM
- Accra, Dakar & Abidjan: Tuesday, Oct 6 at 11:00 PM
- Cairo & Johannesburg: Wednesday, Oct 7 at 1:00 AM
Asia & Oceania:
- Shanghai / Beijing: Wednesday, Oct 7 at 7:00 AM
- Tokyo & Seoul: Wednesday, Oct 7 at 8:00 AM
- Sydney & Melbourne: Wednesday, Oct 7 at 9:00 AM
