Lionel Messi is set to play his final international match for the Argentina national team on October 6, 2026, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over two decades. The Argentina Football Association (AFA) organized this special farewell game against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, following Messi's emotional retirement announcement in late August. AFA president Claudio Tapia confirmed the event, ensuring Messi receives a deserving send-off on home soil. Messi, a three-time World Cup champion, will wear a specially designed Albiceleste jersey for his 208th and final international appearance. Members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad are invited to attend the tributes. Before this historic match, Messi will continue club duties with Inter Miami, facing Columbus Crew on September 27 in Major League Soccer, as his team battles for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference. He will not participate in Argentina's prior friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.