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Messi’s Final Argentina Match vs. Benin Sells Out

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 11:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Messi Retires Internationally

Lionel Messi will play his final Argentina match against Benin on Tuesday.
Messi retires with 208 caps, the most in Argentine history.
He leaves Argentina with a record 125 international goals.
His Inter Miami contract runs through 2028, keeping him in MLS until age 41.
Messi has purchased Spanish clubs Eldense and UE Cornellà and a stake in Uruguay’s Deportivo LSM.

Summary

Dandjinou Targets Messi

Tickets for the Argentina-Benin friendly sold out in two hours, priced $59 to $317 for the 85,000-seat Monumental.
Goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou said his job is to stop Messi and called the match a once-in-a-career event.
Captain Steve Mounié warned teammates about Argentina’s provocation tactics and urged calm to avoid cards.
Google Trends recorded a week-long surge in South American searches for Argentina vs. Benin.

History

Historical Context

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, Zinedine Zidane retired after France’s 1-1 draw with Italy, losing 5-3 on penalties. Zidane, a French midfielder, amassed 108 caps and 31 goals for the national team, and his farewell sparked worldwide viewership exceeding 300 million. Similarly, Argentina’s 2024 friendly against Benin marks Lionel Messi’s final appearance, with 208 caps, 125 goals, and tickets selling out within two hours. The match’s global hype, amplified by Google Trends and stadium demand, underscores how legendary retirements shape football’s commercial and cultural landscape.

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Messi Retires Internationally

Lionel Messi will play his final Argentina match against Benin on Tuesday.
Messi retires with 208 caps, the most in Argentine history.
He leaves Argentina with a record 125 international goals.
His Inter Miami contract runs through 2028, keeping him in MLS until age 41.
Messi has purchased Spanish clubs Eldense and UE Cornellà and a stake in Uruguay’s Deportivo LSM.

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