On August 31, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after 21 years with Argentina. However, the departure of such a legend cannot simply go unnoticed and fly under the radar.As expected, Leo's compatriots will have a chance to say goodbye to him in a farewell game at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, and Argentina's opponents will be none other than β Benin!π¨| ππππππππ: Leo Messi will have a FAREWELL with the Argentina National Team on October 6 in Argentinaβs friendly against Benin at the Monumental. π¦π·He has been called up for the last time from the Argentina NT! pic.twitter.com/U0SwcJwqADβ forblaugrana (@forblaugrana) September 15, 2026 The booming African football has thus been handed another exceptional honor, as the Cheetahs will forever have their place in the history books as the last national team to face the great Messi.20.00: (4.40) Ghazi Al Mehalla (3.35) Zamalek (1.80)Prior to the clash against Benin, La Albiceleste will play two more friendlies β against Bolivia (September 30) and Burkina Faso (October 3) β meaning Leo's farewell appearance could be his 210th for Argentina, with his current tally standing at 207 caps and 125 goals.Messi to buy the second club in SpainMeanwhile, Lionel Scaloni opted for a blend of experience and youth, calling up seasoned players (Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez) alongside promising youngsters (Agustin Giay, Roman Vega, Valentin Barco, Nico Paz, Franco Mastantuono, Matias Soule, Gianluca Prestianni, Santiago Castro).Still, when October 6 arrives, everything in Buenos Aires β and beyond β will be about one man: Lionel Messi.