Is Lionel Messi Playing Today?

Yes. Lionel Messi will play for Argentina against Benin tonight.

The 39-year-old captain will make his 208th and final appearance for the Albiceleste after announcing his retirement from international football. The match has been organized as Messi’s farewell in front of the Argentine fans at the Monumental, with a special gold-floated shirt prepared for the occasion.

Messi did not feature in Argentina’s previous two friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.

This emotional farewell friendly is officially dubbed « El Último Tango. » This historic game marks the end of a legendary 21-year international career for the 39-year-old captain, who retires as Argentina’s all-time leader with 207 caps and 125 goals, cementing his legacy after famously lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina vs. Benin Predicted Lineups

Argentina Lineup vs. Benin

• Martínez
• Giay, Otamendi, Cuti Romero, Medina
• De Paul, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Paz
• Messi, Julián Álvarez

Benin Lineup vs. Argentina

• Djandjinou
• Azongnitode, Roche, Tijani, Ourou
• Hassane, D’Almeida
• Aloko, Olaitan, Ourou
• Tosin

Argentina Team News

Argentina head into Messi’s farewell match with Lionel Scaloni expected to field a 4–4–2 formation.

The main focus will be on Messi as the captain prepares for his final appearance for Argentina. The 39-year-old forward is expected to receive a special farewell from the home crowd at the Monumental.

The 8-time Ballon d’Or’s international farewell will be a massive celebration beyond just football, featuring a historic generational send-off as veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi joins him in retirement.

Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are also heavily rumored to be playing their final matches.

The sold-out Estadio Más Monumental will see Messi wearing a custom golden-lettered Adidas kit, a special pitch-side reunion with the 2022 World Cup squad, and an emotional post-game ceremony concluding with a farewell speech from Messi directly to the 84,000 fans in attendance.

Benin Team News

Benin will line up in a 4–2–3–1 formation under coach Gernot Rohr.

The Guépards arrive in Buenos Aires with confidence but they face one of their biggest tests against the world champions on a night centered around Messi’s international farewell.