Messi's farewell with the Argentina national team: when it is, who they play and everything about the match at the Monumental

Some football nights become history before they even kick off, and the one coming up in Buenos Aires is one of them: Lionel Messi will play his farewell match with the Argentina national team at the Monumental Stadium. For anyone who loves football —whether you live in Argentina or you're thinking about traveling— it's the last chance to see Leo wear the Argentina shirt: it's his farewell game with the national team.

Here's everything known so far: when and where it will be, who Argentina play, why this match is so special, how it fits into the October international window and what to keep in mind if you're coming from abroad to experience it.

When and where is Messi's farewell

Messi's farewell with the national team is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Monumental Stadium (Más Monumental) of River Plate, in the Núñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The opponent will be Benin, an African national team, in an international friendly during the October FIFA window.

The match is set to be played with the stadium at full capacity —something that wasn't always possible in recent years due to sanctions that limited attendance. The Monumental is the largest stadium in Argentina, so an imposing setting is expected for a farewell of this magnitude.

This is a newly announced event: some details, like the final kick-off time, may change in the coming days. It's worth confirming the information before planning a trip.

Messi's farewell with Argentina at the Monumental

This is no ordinary friendly. The idea is to send off the greatest player in the history of the national team with a tribute worthy of what he meant to the country. Among what has been anticipated:

• The 2022 Qatar World Cup winners and their families would be invited to accompany Messi, in what was described as Leo's "last tango" in the Argentina shirt.
• Squad figures such as Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have already been mentioned among those attending.
• The Monumental is a stage full of symbolism: it hosted some of Messi's most important nights with the national team.

For anyone arriving from abroad, being at this match isn't just watching a football game: it's being part of a historic moment that will be remembered for decades.

October's friendlies: which one Messi plays

The farewell is part of a run of friendlies the national team will play during the October FIFA window. A key detail for anyone who wants to see Leo: Messi would only play the October 6 match. The announced schedule is:

• September 30 — Argentina vs. Bolivia, in Córdoba (Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium).
• October 3 — Argentina vs. Burkina Faso, at the Monumental (Buenos Aires).
• October 6 — Argentina vs. Benin, at the Monumental: Messi's farewell match.

You can find the match information on the event page: Argentina vs. Benin at the Monumental.

How to get to the Monumental to see the national team

The Monumental is at Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta 7597, in the Núñez neighborhood, in the north of the City of Buenos Aires. Some options to get there on match day:

• Train: the Mitre line (Tigre branch) has nearby stations, such as Núñez and Rivadavia, a few blocks from the stadium.
• Bus: several lines run along Av. Cabildo, Av. del Libertador and Av. Figueroa Alcorta.
• Taxi or ride-hailing apps: convenient, though on match days it's best to get off a few blocks away because of road closures.

If you're a tourist, a tip: arrive well in advance. For matches of this magnitude, entrances and security checks tend to take time, and the security operation around the stadium starts several hours before.

How to go to Messi's farewell as a tourist

If you're coming from abroad to see Messi's last match with the national team, there are a few things specific to this event worth keeping in mind:

• ID: to enter stadiums in Argentina you're usually asked for identification; bring your passport or ID document.
• Arrive early: since it's a farewell with a tribute, there will likely be pre-match activities and bigger crowds than usual.
• Language and guidance: entrances, sections and checkpoints are signposted in Spanish; if in doubt, stadium staff will help you at the gates.
• Soak up the tribute: beyond the result, the build-up and the farewell atmosphere are a big part of what makes this match unique.

Demand for a night like this will be huge and availability limited. If you're planning your trip, at Football Tickets Argentina we support you throughout the whole process, with assistance in your language and a local team that knows how Argentine stadiums work.

Frequently asked questions

When is Messi's farewell with the Argentina national team?
It's scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Monumental Stadium, in Buenos Aires, against Benin.

Does Messi play all three October friendlies?
Everything indicates he won't: he would only play the October 6 match against Benin, which is his farewell game. The others are against Bolivia (Sep 30, Córdoba) and Burkina Faso (Oct 3, Monumental).

Is Messi's farewell at the Monumental?
Yes. The farewell match is played at River Plate's Monumental Stadium, in the Núñez neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

Will the match be played at a full stadium?
The plan is for it to be at full capacity. As it's a newly announced event, some details may change in the coming days.

This article will be updated as new details of the event are confirmed.