JUMP TO:
For one final time, Lionel Messi will take the field for Argentina before his international retirement becomes official, as the Albiceleste meet Benin for a celebratory occasion in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old, widely considered the greatest player of all-time, will conclude his national team career with his 208th appearance for Argentina.
The match is the third of this extended international break, with Argentina having won the first two against Bolivia and Burkina Faso by a combined 11-0.
Argentina begin the 2030 World Cup cycle having made the 2026 final but falling 1-0 to Spain on a title-winning goal by Ferran Torres. After tonight, they will also have to press on into the future without their talismanic superstar.
The Sporting News is following the Argentina vs. Benin match live, providing score updates and commentary with a specific focus on Lionel Messi during his final international match.
MORE LIONEL MESSI COVERAGE
Argentina vs. Benin live score
Argentina starting lineup (predicted):
Argentina (4-2-3-1, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 4. A. Glay, 13. C. Romero, 19. N. Otamendi, 3. N. Tagliafico — 7. R. De Paul, 24. E. Fernandez, 20. A. Mac Allister, 15. N. Gonzalez — 10. L. Messi, 9. J. Alvarez.
MORE: A full look at the 26-man USMNT squad for September, October friendlies
Lionel Messi stats vs. Peru
- Minutes: 0
- Goals: 0
- Shots/on target: 0/0
- Assists: 0
- Passes: 0/0
- Fouls won: 0
Full Argentina vs. Benin match stats
Argentina vs. Benin updates, highlights from international friendly
(All times Eastern)
Prematch
5:30 p.m. — Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentina squad will travel to the stadium on an open-top bus today, allowing fans to cheer on the players in celebration of his final match. Clearly, this is no average player retiring from international duty, as Messi gets the king’s send-off!
The Argentina squad will travel to El Monumental on an OPEN-TOP BUS, giving Lionel Messi the chance to say goodbye to the fans one final time on his way to the stadium. ❤️🇦🇷 https://t.co/Yb2lam1BzG
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 6, 2026
5 p.m. — Welcome to coverage from The Sporting News of Lionel Messi’s final international match! Lionel Messi has meant everything to so many people for so long throughout his legendary and iconic career.
Click here to see our global staff’s favorite Lionel Messi moments with the Argentina national team over the years, to get a glimpse into what his career meant to those around the world.
For ever 𝐋𝐞𝐨 🐐🩵 https://t.co/0gpWYwy9ST
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) October 6, 2026
Lineups
6 p.m. — Lineups will be submitted one hour before kickoff.
Where to watch Argentina vs. Benin
Argentina vs. Benin start time
- Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
What channel is Argentina vs. Benin on today?
Here’s how to watch this international friendly match in the U.S.:
This game is only available to watch in Spanish exclusively streaming on ViX.
If you access ViX via Amazon Prime Video, they offer a 7-day FREE trial to new subscribers.
