Lionel Messi Football Farewell Match: Argentina vs Benin Date, Time, Probable Lineups And Everything You Need to Know

Lionel Messi will lace up his boots for the final time in an Argentina shirt as the world champions host Benin in an emotional international friendly at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday. Billed as 'The Last Tango', the fixture brings down the curtain on a legendary twenty-one-year international career.

With 84,000 fans packed into Buenos Aires to witness history, here is the complete match guide, date, global kickoff times, probable lineups, and live streaming details. You Might Be Interested In The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner confirmed his international retirement in August, choosing his home crowd in Buenos Aires for his final farewell.

Messi's numbers for Argentina read like a video game cheat code. Across 207 appearances, the maestro has scored 125 goals, standing tall as South America's greatest international goalscorer.

After years of heartbreak, his final era delivered the ultimate silverware, lifting the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and defending the 2024 Copa America crown. The Argentine Football Association has invited his 2022 World Cup-winning teammates and their families to the Monumental to celebrate his historic send-off.

Messi Last Match: Who Are Benin? Ranked 89th in the FIFA world rankings, Benin travel to South America for the first time in their history.

Coached by seasoned tactician Gernot Rohr, the Cheetahs arrive with strong momentum after defeating Mauritania and drawing against Burkina Faso in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The African side is captained by physical forward Steve Mounie, who brings extensive top-tier European experience to their frontline.

Benin represents the 45th different nation Messi has faced, giving the Argentine captain a chance to score against one final international opponent. Probable Starting Lineups Argentina (4-3-3) Head coach Lionel Scaloni will roll out his strongest starting eleven to give his captain a fitting farewell in front of a sold-out home crowd.

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister Forwards: Lionel Messi (c), Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez Benin (4-3-3) Gernot Rohr will set up a compact, physical low block, looking to frustrate Argentina and hit on quick counter-attacks. Goalkeeper: Saturnin Allagbe Defenders: Rachid Moumini, Cedric Hountondji, Mohamed Tijani, David Kiki Midfield: Sessi D'Almeida, Dodo Dokou, Imourane Hassane Forwards: Jodel Dossou, Steve Mounie (c), Andreas Hountondji How To Watch Argentina vs Benin On TV And Online In India Match Timing: Indian fans will need to set an early alarm, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 AM IST on Wednesday, October 7.

Live Streaming: The farewell match will stream live on the Zee5 app and website via match pass and tour pass options. In The United States Kickoff Time: Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT.