he 39-year-old superstar announced his international retirement in August, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his career with Argentina toward its conclusion. He will now have the opportunity to say goodbye to the Argentina supporters on home soil.

AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed that the federation had invited Messi to receive the farewell it believes he deserves, with the October 6 fixture serving as the final match of Argentina's international window.

Messi's farewell will come at the Estadio Monumental, home of River Plate, in front of the Argentine supporters who have followed his remarkable journey with the national team.

The match against Benin will be the final fixture of Argentina's three-game series during the international window. Argentina will also face Bolivia on September 30 and Burkina Faso on October 3 before Messi's farewell against Benin.

Messi's international career has included the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, alongside numerous individual records for Argentina. He is the country's record goalscorer and appearance-maker.

For Argentina supporters around the world, October 6 will mark the end of an era.

One final match. One final Argentina shirt. One final goodbye to Lionel Messi.

Argentina vs Benin
6 October 2026
Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
International Friendly — Messi Farewell