Benin set to host Lionel Messi’s final international appearance

Tue Oct 06 2026 16:42:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Benin’s national team prepares for a historic friendly against Argentina as Lionel Messi plays his last match for his country.

The small West African nation of Benin, often eclipsed by Nigeria, will take centre stage this week when it faces Argentina in a pre‑World Cup friendly featuring Lionel Messi’s final international outing. A custom Argentina kit will commemorate the event, and Messi’s match‑worn shirt could fetch a record‑breaking price. Captain Steve Mounie, playing for FC Augsburg but injured, travelled to Buenos Aires to support the team and emphasised the symbolic moment. Argentina, having already secured a 7‑0 win over Burkina Faso, is expected to dominate the match, with Messi likely substituted in the second half. The game promises excitement for fans, collectors and the nation at large.

Benin set to host Lionel Messi’s final international appearance

Situated just north of Nigeria, Benin is a small West African country that has long been in the shadow of its football‑powerhouse neighbour. But this weekend the nation will step into the spotlight as its national team hosts Argentina in a friendly ahead of the World Cup.

The match, scheduled for Tuesday in Buenos Aires, will feature Lionel Messi in what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina. A custom Argentina kit has been designed for the occasion, and the shirt worn by Messi could become one of the most expensive football items ever sold.

Benin’s captain Steve Mounie, who plies his trade with German side FC Augsburg, travelled to the South American capital despite a recent injury. “When I was told it would be Messi’s last game, I knew it was a moment I didn’t want to miss,” he said. “I even paid for my own ticket to be there.”

Argentina warmed up for the fixture with a 7‑0 victory over Burkina Faso, giving confidence that the same dominant performance will be repeated. Even so, Messi is not expected to play the full 90 minutes; a substitution in the second half is likely so that fans can see the star up close before the game ends.

Football‑shirt collector Doug Bierton predicts the match‑worn Messi jersey will be a coveted item, potentially rivaling the #7.1 million pound purchase of Maradona’s 1986 World Cup shirt. “Every player on the pitch is looking to swap with him,” Bierton told reporters as fans lined the stands in anticipation.

Shops across Buenos Aires are already preparing for the influx of fans eager to own a piece of history, with many hoping to capture a souvenir that commemorates Messi’s legendary career.