Argentina to Host Lionel Messi's Farewell Match Against Benin on October 6

The football world is gearing up for Lionel Messi’s farewell match in an Argentina shirt, and it is going to be an emotional night at the Monumental.

For Argentina fans, it will be the chance to say goodbye to the man who fmade their dream again.

Years from now, many of them will be remembered as the players who happened to be on the other side of the pitch for Messi’s final match with Argentina. The AFA has officially organised the October 6 friendly as the farewell of its captain, while a special “Gracias, Leo” fan festival will also be held around the game.

And his next answer perhaps summed up just how much the occasion means even to the opposition.

Asked what he would do if Messi came towards him during the match, Tijani joked that he would simply look at him and say:

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has already made it clear that his team will still try to compete against the former world champions.

Messi’s Argentina career has lasted more than two decades and included the 2022 World Cup, Copa America triumphs and years of unforgettable moments in the famous blue and white shirt.

And while almost all the attention will understandably be on Messi, the Benin players will have their own small place in football history.