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The opening international window of the 2026–27 season will mark a historic occasion as Lionel Messi takes to the field for his final appearance with the Argentine national team.
The football world came to a standstill when Messi announced his retirement from international duty through a heartfelt letter shared on social media in late August.
After over two decades filled with iconic performances, goals, silverware, and countless unforgettable moments, Argentina's all-time record appearance holder brought down the curtain on one of the most triumphant eras in the nation's footballing history.
For several weeks, Argentina's gut-wrenching loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final felt even more agonizing, as many assumed it had been Messi's last outing with La Albiceleste. However, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) took action and organized a dedicated match allowing devoted supporters to cherish Messi's 208th and final international cap.
And naturally, Messi's Argentina farewell had to unfold on home turf.
Lionel Messi's Final Argentina Match: Full Details
October 6, 2026 will be etched in the history books as the day Messi pulls on La Albiceleste's iconic No. 10 shirt for the very last time. The three-time World Cup winner will face Benin in his final international outing.
"We decided to invite the greatest player in the world," AFA president Claudio Tapia stated at the time of the announcement. "The symbol of our national team, our captain Lionel Messi, so that he can receive the sendoff he truly deserves on Oct. 6, here, in Argentina."
Argentina's iconic Buenos Aires venue, River Plate's Estadio Monumental, will serve as the stage for Messi's farewell. The stadium accommodates over 85,000 spectators, though ticket demand is anticipated to reach into the millions. Tickets are set to go on sale September 22, with prices ranging from $59 to $317, according to the AFA.
Messi and adidas also revealed a brand new special Albiceleste kit he will sport in his final match. The exclusive design features Messi's personal logo in place of adidas's standard crest, along with just three Albiceleste stripes on a white central base. His name and legendary No. 10 appear in gold lettering above Argentina's rising sun emblem.
A call was made for all members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad to be present at the match. Celebratory tributes are planned ahead of kickoff, with a final farewell ceremony featuring Messi on the pitch scheduled after the final whistle.
When Will Lionel Messi Play Next?
Argentina are scheduled to play two international friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso ahead of the Benin clash. However, Messi will not feature in Lionel Scaloni's squad for those opening two fixtures, instead traveling to his homeland solely for his farewell game against Benin.
Nevertheless, Messi is expected to see action one more time before his emotional final bow. The living legend will aim to extend his scoring streak to four consecutive matches when Inter Miami visit Columbus Crew on September 27, as MLS fixtures continue beyond the start of the international break.
The Herons currently occupy third place in the Eastern Conference standings as the regular season enters its final stretch. The battle for playoff positioning is intensifying as Messi and his teammates head into the closing stages of their MLS Cup title defense on the other side of his poignant Argentina farewell.