Lionel Messi will represent his nation for the final time tonight as Argentina face Benin in Buenos Aires.

The greatest footballer of all time will retire from international duty with 208 caps to his name and at least 125 goals, though he will hope to add to that tally on his testimonial day.

He announced his decision to retire after crossing the line second at the World Cup, where Messi produced a string of fine performances and inspired some remarkable comebacks. But Argentina fell at the final hurdle as they were edged out by Spain in the final.

“I gave it my all. I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” he wrote, announcing his intent to step back in August.

He will have one last opportunity to bid farewell to the Argentina supporters at the Monumental Stadium tonight, though.

This will be Benin’s third match of this international break, with the two prior outings yielding a draw with Burkina Faso and a 2-1 defeat of Mauritania.

Messi's final Argentina appearance is against Benin today, Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The match will be played at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm local time, which is 12am midnight BST in the morning of Wednesday, October 7.

In the UK and Ireland, Premier Sports holds the rights to Argentina's matches, including Messi's farewell against Benin. The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports 2, with coverage starting at 11.50pm midnight in the UK tonight.

Live stream: UK viewers can watch Premier Sports 2 via the website or app.

Odds from are correct at the time of publishing. Subject to change.