Argentina Face Benin in International Friendly: Key Predictions, Lineups, and What to Expect

Argentina bids an emotional farewell to its legendary talisman Lionel Messi on Tuesday, as he prepares for his 208th and final international cap in a friendly against Benin.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient announced his retirement from international football following a heartbreaking World Cup final loss to Spain, which marked his last competitive outing for La Albiceleste. Yet one final appearance remains at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where fans will gather in droves to honor the greatest footballer to ever grace the game.

Messi will look to add to his remarkable tally of 125 international goals in this first-ever meeting with Benin, and his teammates have been in devastating form during his absence throughout the current international window. They have plundered 11 goals against Bolivia and Burkina Faso in dominant friendly victories, but attention now turns to serving their iconic skipper one final time.

The Cheetahs will be determined to spoil the occasion, however unlikely that may seem. They have claimed victory in two of their last three outings, with a draw against Burkina Faso—the same side Argentina thrashed 7–0—sandwiched between wins over Guinea and Mauritania.

Argentina vs. Benin Score Prediction

Messi Says Goodbye in Style

"I am eternally grateful to have been part of Messi's incredible journey with the Argentina national team," Lionel Scaloni said ahead of the Benin fixture, having played an instrumental role in shaping an extraordinary international career.

Messi departs the national setup having lifted the World Cup and two Copa América trophies under Scaloni's stewardship, cementing a legacy that rivals that of Diego Maradona for La Albiceleste.

Tears are all but certain from Messi, his fellow players, and the supporters packed into the Estadio Monumental as the final chapter closes, but it should be a triumphant send-off for the 39-year-old against FIFA's 93rd-ranked side.

Prediction: Argentina 4–0 Benin

Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Benin

Naturally, Messi will spearhead the attack in his farewell appearance, most likely alongside Julian Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez in a front pairing.

Nicolás Otamendi will also bow out of international duty, signing off at 140 caps for the senior squad. He has made the trip back to his home country specifically for this occasion.

Nicolás Tagliafico and Giovani Lo Celso are both carrying minor knocks and remain doubts for the Benin clash.

Scaloni is expected to make minimal changes from the side that netted seven goals in their previous outing, particularly given his ability to rotate heavily at halftime and during the second period.

Emiliano Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Rodrigo De Paul are among the prominent names set to start.

Argentina predicted lineup vs. Benin (4-4-2): E. Martínez; Giay, Otamendi, Li. Martínez, Medina; De Paul, En. Fernández, Mac Allister, Paz; Messi, La. Martínez.

Benin Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr is missing Dokou Dodo and Rachid Moumini for the friendly, though 21-year-old forward Sahid Ngobi has received a call-up and could see some playing time.

Lorient attacker Aiyegun Tosin will be charged with troubling the Argentina backline after recently netting his fourth goal at international level.

At the opposite end, goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou faces the daunting task of keeping Messi and company at bay. He does arrive in good spirits, however, having stopped a penalty in the victory over Mauritania.

Benin predicted lineup vs. Argentina (4-2-3-1): Dandjinou; Azongnitode, Roche, Tijani, T. Ouorou; D'Almeida, Imourane; Y. Ouorou, Olaïtan, Aloko; Tosin.

What Time Does Argentina vs. Benin Kick Off?

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