Lionel Messi has shown off a special Argentina jersey. He will wear it for his final international match. The match is on October 6 at River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires. Messi is 39 years old. He is saying goodbye to Argentina fans.
Argentina will play three friendly matches at home. The first is on September 30 against Bolivia. That game is at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba. The next two are at River Plate Stadium. They play Burkina Faso on October 3. Then they play Benin on October 6. Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will only play in the last match on October 6.
Lionel Messi posted a photo of the jersey on Instagram. The jersey has his name and his famous number 10. The number is in bold gold. There is a pattern on the back. He wrote, “Last match… A jersey for a lifetime.”
Messi announced his retirement from the national team earlier in September. His international career began in 2005. He became Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. He made 203 appearances and scored 203 goals for Argentina. He also led the country to three major titles.
His journey had many disappointments at first. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to Germany. They lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile. Then Messi helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa America. That ended a 28-year wait for a major trophy. He then led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. In the final against France, he scored twice. The match ended 3-3 after extra time. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties. Messi scored his penalty in the shootout. Argentina also won the Copa America again in 2024.
Lionel Messi played in six World Cups from 2006 to 2026. He scored 21 goals in 34 appearances. He is the second-highest goal-scorer in World Cup history. At the 2026 World Cup, he scored eight goals and provided four assists. He also scored his first World Cup hat-trick against Algeria.
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times. He will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. He is stepping away from international football only.
When is Lionel Messi’s Final Argentina Match vs Benin?
Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina on October 6, 2026. It will be his 208th appearance for the national team. The match will be played at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The opponent is Benin.
Messi announced his international retirement in late August. The AFA then organised a farewell match so fans could see him one last time. AFA president Claudio Tapia said they invited the best player in the world, the icon of their national team, so he can receive the goodbye he deserves.
The stadium holds over 85,000 fans. Tickets went on sale on September 22. Prices ranged from $59 to $317. Demand is expected to be huge.
Messi and adidas also revealed a special jersey for the match. It features Messi’s logo instead of the adidas crest. There are only three stripes on a white base. His name and number 10 are in gold lettering over Argentina’s rising sun.
Lionel Messi will not play in Argentina’s two earlier friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. He will travel home only for the Benin match.
Lisandro Martinez Urges Argentina to Move Past World Cup Final Loss and Give Lionel Messi a Special Farewell
Lisandro Martinez has asked Argentina to put aside their World Cup final disappointment. He wants the team to focus on giving Lionel Messi a special farewell. The Manchester United defender arrived in Buenos Aires on Tuesday morning. He joined a 37-player Argentina squad for their latest gathering. The team is still hurting from their loss to Spain in the World Cup final. But Martinez believes it is time to celebrate Messi’s international career.
Argentina are planning a big tribute for Messi at the Estadio Monumental. The stadium is sold out for the occasion. The Argentine Football Association has organised the event. It is being called a landmark evening in the capital. The entire squad that won the 2022 World Cup has been invited. Their families will also be there.
Martinez spoke about the pain of losing the final. He said it is better not to dwell on it. But he also said the team should be proud of their effort throughout the tournament. He said they had a great World Cup, even though the final loss hurts everyone. He added that they are now back home and will enjoy the moment.
AFA president Claudio Tapia also spoke about the event. He said they invited the best player in the world, the symbol of their national team, their captain, Lionel Andres Messi. He said Messi deserves a proper send-off.
FAQs
Q. When is Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match?
A. Messi will face Benin on October 6, 2026.
Q. Where will Messi’s final Argentina match be played?
A. It will be played at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Q. What number will Messi wear for Argentina?
A. Messi will wear his famous No. 10 jersey.
Q. How many times has Messi won the Ballon d’Or?
A. Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times.
Q. Which major titles did Messi win with Argentina?
A. Messi won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 World Cup.
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