Messi set for final Argentina appearance after decorated international career

Lionel Messi is set to make what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina against Benin on Wednesday. The legendary forward leaves behind a decorated international career featuring World Cup, Copa America and Finalissima triumphs

Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi is set to take the field for Argentina for what is expected to be the final time against Benin on Wednesday (IST), bringing the curtain down on one of the most illustrious international careers in football.

Argentina will host 93rd-ranked Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where thousands of spectators and millions watching from home are expected to bid farewell to the legendary forward.

Messi made his Argentina debut in August 2005 in a friendly against Hungary and went on to become one of the greatest players in the history of the game. With La Albiceleste, he has won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima.

He has also finished as a World Cup runner-up twice, in 2014 and 2026. Messi had initially retired from international football in 2016 after Argentina’s defeat to Chile on penalties in the Copa America final, but later reversed his decision.

He subsequently led Argentina to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, completing a remarkable run of success with the national team.

Now, the time has come for Messi to pass the torch as Argentina look to nurture the next generation and remain a force in world football.

Long-time teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are also part of the squad, while several members of the 2022 World Cup-winning team who are no longer with the national side are expected to be in attendance in the stands for Messi’s final appearance.

Messi has already joined the national camp and trained with the squad. He will be eager to make his final appearance for Argentina a memorable one.

For Benin, meanwhile, the match offers an opportunity to share the pitch with one of football’s biggest icons. The torch once passed from Diego Maradona to Messi; now, Messi’s farewell will mark another transition as Argentina look towards the future.

Key Details:

When: Wednesday, 4:30 am IST
Where: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
How to watch: The Argentina vs Benin match will not be telecast live in India. It will be streamed live on ZEE5.