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Messi’s 208th cap caps Argentina’s October farewell match

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 3:46 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Messi Final Match

Lionel Messi plays his final Argentina match at Estadio Monumental on 7 October 2026.
He reaches a historic 208th cap, with 125 goals and 68 assists for Argentina.
Benin arrived on a 23-hour economy flight, faced hotel problems and beat Mauritania 2-1.
Analysts predict a 4-0 Argentine win as the friendly pits Argentina against FIFA-ranked 93rd Benin before an estimated 85,000 crowd.

Summary

Scaloni Seeks Extension

Scaloni is negotiating a four-year contract extension to lead Argentina after Messi’s retirement.
Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the captain’s armband as the team’s new leader.
The number 10 shirt will stay vacant until the farewell match, after which a successor will be chosen.
Vice-captain Nicolás Otamendi, 38, will retire after the friendly.

History

Historical Context

Gabriel Batistuta, Argentina’s record scorer with 56 goals in 78 caps, retired after the 2002 World Cup, which saw the team exit in the group stage for the first time since 1962. His era featured Copa América wins in 1991 and 1993 and a World Cup hat-trick in 1998. Messi’s 2026 farewell at the same Monumental now prompts defender Cristian Romero to assume captaincy.

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Messi Final Match

Lionel Messi plays his final Argentina match at Estadio Monumental on 7 October 2026.
He reaches a historic 208th cap, with 125 goals and 68 assists for Argentina.
Benin arrived on a 23-hour economy flight, faced hotel problems and beat Mauritania 2-1.
Analysts predict a 4-0 Argentine win as the friendly pits Argentina against FIFA-ranked 93rd Benin before an estimated 85,000 crowd.

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