Argentina vs Benin: Preview, Lineups, and Predictions for Messi's Farewell Match

In a rare meeting at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, Argentina will face Benin as Lionel Messi prepares for his last appearance with the national team. The iconic forward will earn his 208th cap in this friendly encounter, drawing a crowd eager to celebrate one of football's greatest.

Following a tough loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi announced his retirement from international football. Though that was his final competitive match, this friendly offers a chance for fans to honor him on home soil. Messi hopes to extend his record 125 international goals against Benin, a team Argentina has never faced before.

The Argentine squad has been sharp without their captain, netting 11 goals across recent friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso. Their focus will now be on setting up Messi for his farewell moment.

Benin’s Recent Form and Challenge

The Cheetahs come into the game riding good momentum, having won two of their last three matches with a draw sandwiched between victories over Guinea and Mauritania. Despite their form, Benin faces a daunting task against a dominant Argentina side, fresh from a 7-0 rout of Burkina Faso.

Match Prediction: Messi’s Glorious Goodbye

“I’m forever grateful for being part of Messi’s wonderful story in the Argentina national team,” said coach Lionel Scaloni ahead of the match. Under his guidance, Messi lifted the World Cup and two Copa América trophies, cementing his place alongside legends like Diego Maradona.

Fans can expect emotion and possibly tears at the Monumental as Messi plays his swan song. The 39-year-old is poised for a grand send-off, likely scoring once more against FIFA's 93rd-ranked team.

• Messi magic: The No. 10 will surely receive constant service from his teammates, who will aim to see him score before leaving the pitch.
• Record against African teams: Argentina has won all seven encounters against African nations this decade, including their recent demolition of Burkina Faso.
• Benin’s struggles: The visitors have lost five of their last nine games, conceding three or more goals in four of those defeats.

Score prediction: Argentina 4–0 Benin

Expected Lineups

Argentina (likely 4-4-2)

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
• Defenders: Nahuel Giay, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Enzo Medina
• Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Paz
• Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez (or Julián Álvarez)

This match will also mark Nicolás Otamendi's final game, capping his 140 appearances. Nicolás Tagliafico and Giovani Lo Celso are doubtful due to minor injuries. Coach Scaloni is expected to keep most of the lineup from the previous 7-0 victory, having rested players during that match’s second half.

Benin (likely 4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou
• Defenders: Azongnitode, Roche, Tijani, T. Ouorou
• Midfielders: D’Almeida, Imourane; Y. Ouorou, Olaïtan, Aloko
• Forward: Aiyegun Tosin

Coach Gernot Rohr must manage absences with Dokou Dodo and Rachid Moumini unavailable. Young striker Sahid Ngobi has been called up and might feature. Goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, confident after a penalty save in their recent win over Mauritania, will try to keep Argentina’s attack at bay.

Match Details

• Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
• Date: Tuesday, October 6 / Wednesday, October 7
• Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Oct. 7)

Broadcast Information

• United States: ViX
• Canada: Not available
• Mexico: ViX Mexico
• United Kingdom: Premier Sports 2, Premier Sports Player