| Argentina vs Benin | |
| MATCH | Frendlies |
| DATE | 07 - 10 - 2026 |
| TIME | 04.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadium |
Argentina vs Benin: Match Preview, Team News and What to Expect
Argentina will take on Benin in a special international friendly that is set to become an emotional occasion for one of football's greatest ever players, Lionel Messi.
The match will mark the end of Messi's remarkable 21-year international career after the Argentina captain announced his retirement from international football in August. While his competitive career with the national team has already come to an end, Tuesday's fixture will provide Messi with one final opportunity to wear the Argentina shirt.
Messi Set for Emotional Argentina Farewell
At 39, Messi will leave international football as Argentina's all-time leading scorer and appearance holder. He has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for La Albiceleste, including 21 goals in 34 World Cup matches.
Seven of those World Cup goals came during Argentina's triumphant 2022 campaign in Qatar, when Messi finally lifted football's biggest trophy and helped his country end a 36-year wait for World Cup glory.
Messi's international achievements also include two Copa America titles and a Finalissima triumph, completing an extraordinary career at the highest level.
The Inter Miami forward arrives at the farewell fixture in excellent form. Since the World Cup final, Messi has continued to produce outstanding numbers, scoring 12 goals in 13 appearances for his club. He has also found the net in each of his last four matches.
Messi will be hoping to add another memorable moment to his international career by scoring against Benin. If he does, the African nation would become the 64th different opponent against whom he has scored for Argentina.
Argentina in Excellent Form
Argentina will enter the contest as overwhelming favourites.
Before Messi's return to the starting lineup, Lionel Scaloni's side recorded two impressive victories. They defeated Bolivia 4-0 before producing an even more emphatic 7-0 win over Burkina Faso.
Those results extended Argentina's winning run in international friendlies to six matches.
Scaloni's team have also continued to demonstrate the attacking depth that has made them one of international football's strongest sides. With Messi expected to start, Argentina will be looking to produce another dominant performance in what promises to be an emotional evening.
This will also be Argentina's first meeting with Benin, adding another opponent to the country's extensive international history.
Benin Looking to Spoil the Farewell Party
Although the spotlight will understandably be on Messi, Benin will have their own reasons to approach the fixture positively.
The Squirrels are facing a major challenge against an Argentina side ranked considerably higher in the FIFA World Rankings, but their recent results have shown signs of improvement.
Benin suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Togo during their final friendly of the June international window. They subsequently responded with a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
They then secured an important 2-1 victory over Mauritania last Saturday, with Rodolfo Aloko scoring both goals.
The victory gave Benin four points from their opening two AFCON qualifying matches and provided another boost to their confidence.
It was also the first time Benin had scored more than once in a match since their 4-0 victory over Lesotho in September 2025.
Defensively, Benin have been relatively solid, conceding no more than one goal in five of their last six matches. However, stopping Argentina's attacking players, particularly Messi, will be an entirely different challenge.
Team News
Argentina will be without Villarreal defender Juan Foyth and River Plate attacker Thiago Almada, who both withdrew from the squad because of injuries.
Nicolas Tagliafico remains a doubt after missing Argentina's victories over Bolivia and Burkina Faso because of an injury problem.
Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso could return to the starting lineup after being left out of the previous two friendlies as Scaloni experimented with his squad.
Messi is expected to start the farewell match, with Lautaro Martinez potentially making way for the Inter Miami star.
There could also be another emotional farewell for Nicolas Otamendi. The experienced defender has joined the squad specifically for the occasion after announcing his international retirement in July.
Benin will be without right-back Abdoul Rachid Moumini, who was unable to travel to Argentina because of administrative issues.
Dokou Dodo has also returned to his club, Arab Contractors, after making substitute appearances in Benin's first two friendlies of the international window.
Forward Sahid Ngobi has been added to the squad and could be an option for Benin after making three previous international appearances.
What to Expect
Argentina will start as clear favourites, but the occasion is likely to be just as important as the result.
For Messi, the fixture represents the closing chapter of an extraordinary international career that has included heartbreak, redemption and some of the greatest achievements in Argentina's football history.
For Benin, the match offers a rare opportunity to test themselves against the reigning world champions and potentially make their own mark on a memorable night.
All eyes will be on Messi when he walks onto the pitch for one final time in Argentina's colours. A goal or another decisive contribution would provide a fitting ending to one of the most remarkable international careers football has ever witnessed.