Argentina holds its breath tonight as Lionel Messi, aged 39, bids farewell to the national team at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. His final game in the Albiceleste jersey will be a friendly match against Benin, set for 2:00 AM (airing live on Digi Sport 1), at the iconic home of River Plate.
The date, October 6, 2026, marks a bittersweet occasion, coinciding with the month that saw the birth of Diego Maradona in 1960 and now heralding the end of Messi’s legendary 7,720-day journey with the national team. His departure from the international stage follows the same dramatic flair that characterized his debut, which was also marked by a red card during a swift appearance against Hungary.
Fans Celebrate Messi’s Contributions
As Messi prepares for this monumental farewell, he is set to conclude his international career with 207 caps and 125 goals—record figures in Argentine football. He had announced his retirement on August 31 after Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final to Spain. Tonight, he will be carried off the pitch much like he has lifted Argentina over the past 21 years, celebrating this moment alongside teammates and famous coach Lionel Scaloni.
The Monumental will be packed to its 85,018-seat capacity, with all tickets sold out long ago. The Argentine Football Association has invited the 2022 World Cup champions and their families to join this historic farewell. Messi will don a special jersey featuring his name, the number 10, and golden accents. For those unable to secure a spot in the stadium, a large-scale Fan Fest called “Gracias, Leo” has been organized.
A massive shirt emblazoned with “GRACIAS” has been placed in Rosario, conveying the heartfelt message: “Thank you, Captain! You gave us everything. You made us believe again, dream the impossible, and provided unforgettable moments that will stay with us for life. Nothing will ever be the same. We are not ready to let you go, but we will follow you wherever you go.”
“A unique player like him deserves this tribute. I couldn’t miss his goodbye to the national team. I knew he was going through a tough time, yet he made the effort to come and say farewell to the people who love him so much. If Leo deserves homage, it should be done now because later the magic might not be the same,” Scaloni commented.
Tonight’s match promises to be filled with surprises against an unusual opponent, Benin, following a prior 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso. “If there were five Monumental stadiums, they would all be full,” Scaloni noted during a press conference.
Scaloni Reflects on a Legendary Career
Messages of support have flooded in from all corners. “I think everything has been said; I just want to enjoy this moment. I imagine everyone is emotional, including him. It will be an unforgettable day for all, and I’m grateful to witness his last day with the national team,” Scaloni added.
This marks the farewell of Argentina’s most impactful player, as reflected in the trophies he has helped secure over the last five years: two Copa América titles (2021, 2024), the 2022 World Cup, and the previous Finalissima, along with two runner-up finishes in the Copa América (2014 and 2026 against Chile).
Messi arrived in Buenos Aires on Sunday and has already trained with the team to prepare for the celebration organized by the AFA and the fans. “We have two more training sessions with him, and all that’s left is to savor the little time we have left with Leo,” Scaloni shared yesterday.
“Welcome, Captain of my life,” said Chiqui Tapia as he greeted Messi at Ezeiza before he joined the team’s camp. There will be many surprises, and the only certainty is that number 10 will start. While the specifics of his playing time remain undisclosed, the presence of all 2022 champions and 2026 runners-up is confirmed.
“After receiving Messi’s consent, we want to invite all the World Cup champions who played alongside him in Qatar 2022 so that your families can accompany him in this unforgettable match for all Argentine national team fans. You will witness the last tango of the world’s best player,” Scaloni confirmed.
Di Maria Reflects on Messi’s Departure
The notable absence will be Ángel Di María (engaged with Rosario Central), with whom Messi shared a significant part of his career in the Albiceleste. Together, they started their journey by winning the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics and led Argentina to the top when fate seemed to have other plans.
“I’ve already retired, but I look forward to watching the emotional farewell match for Leo. It will be very difficult after so many years not to see him in the national team’s jersey. But this is the last time, and we will all stand with Leo in spirit,” said Di María, affectionately known as “El Fideo.”
- Most finals: 11 in continental and world competitions;
- Most trophies: 4;
- Longest-serving player: 21 consecutive years;
- Most matches: 207;
- Most victories: 134;
- Most matches as captain: 147;
- Top scorer: 125 goals (71 in official competitions);
- Most World Cups: 6, scoring in 5 of them;
- Six World Cups and three finals played: the only player in history;
- World Cup legend: absolute record for matches (34) and goals (21).
“His legacy is the desire to always be there. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave. The way he takes care of himself and approaches every match—these are qualities that may go unnoticed by many, but his teammates see them, and he is the best example there could be. He leaves behind something unparalleled. It is very rare for a player like Messi to emerge. Let us enjoy this celebration!” Scaloni concluded.
