Argentina faces Benin in a farewell friendly at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, marking Lionel Messi’s final international appearance after his August retirement announcement following the 2026 World Cup final loss. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward, Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 caps, is expected to start and feature prominently alongside attackers like Julián Álvarez. Benin, ranked 93rd globally, offers limited resistance against a side featuring multiple 2022 World Cup winners in a celebratory setting. Recent form, home support, and Messi’s historical output against weaker opponents shape expectations around his goal tally, with potential minutes restrictions or tactical rotations as secondary variables.