# Lionel Messi Prepares for International Farewell as Argentina Faces Benin > Lionel Messi will don Argentina's national jersey for the final time in a farewell friendly against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Indian fans can follow the live broadcast on October 7 starting at 4:30 AM IST. **Type:** article · **Category:** Football · **Published:** 2026-10-06 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/football/benin-ke-khilapha-vidai-maicha-se-argentina-ke-lie-apane-saphara-ko-thamenge-lionel-messi-43625 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Lionel Messi, Argentina Football, Farewell Match, Estadio Monumental, Benin, World Cup When the national team takes the pitch at the historic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the fixture will carry far greater significance than a standard friendly as Lionel Messi prepares to step onto the pitch in Argentina's colours for the very last time. Facing Benin in his farewell appearance, the stadium will be packed with thousands of spectators while millions watch across television and streaming screens to witness the iconic forward close his chapter with the national team. At 39 years of age, Messi concludes an international career spanning nearly two decades that delivered every major honour available in global football, marking the end of a historic era for the country. ## Championship Glories from Copa America to World Cup Messi guided Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup, capping off a remarkable international turnaround that also saw the side secure back to back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. His cabinet with the national squad additionally includes the 2022 Finalissima trophy as well as an Olympic gold medal won at the 2008 Beijing Games. With 125 goals to his name, he stands unchallenged as Argentina's all time leading goalscorer. > His senior international journey began in August 2005 when he made his debut in a friendly match against Hungary. From that modest beginning, he developed into one of the sport's greatest competitors. The path was not without heartbreaks, notably following the 2016 Copa America final defeat against Chile in a penalty shootout, after which he announced his retirement from international football. That decision was later reversed, paving the way for his return to the national team and the triumphant silverware that followed. ## Transition Ahead and Familiar Comrades on the Pitch With this farewell fixture, Argentina faces the substantial challenge of navigating life after their talisman. Sustaining the competitive standard established under the eight time Ballon d'Or winner will test the team, though supporters remain confident that the squad possesses sufficient depth and talent to move forward into the next phase. For the contest against Benin, longtime teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso will join Messi on the field. Several former players from Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign will also be in attendance in the stadium stands to witness their former captain's final international outing in person. ## Match Schedule and Live Broadcast Details in India Messi has already begun training with the national squad ahead of the match, aiming to deliver one last memorable performance for his supporters in Argentina's colours. For supporters based in India, the match is scheduled to kick off on October 7 at 4:30 AM Indian Standard Time. Digital streaming for the fixture in India will be hosted live on the platform ZEE5. ## What this means for you Lionel Messi's final international match offers football followers their last opportunity to watch the veteran forward represent Argentina. - **Broadcast Timing:** Viewers in India will need an early start on October 7 to catch the game live. Coverage begins at 4:30 AM IST. - **Streaming Access:** Fans looking to stream the encounter will need access to the carrying platform. Live coverage across India will be hosted on ZEE5. - **Historical Moment:** This match marks the conclusion of a two decade international tenure featuring 125 goals. Supporters will witness the close of one of football's most celebrated national team careers. - **Future Lineups:** Argentina's squad will move into a full transition phase once this farewell match concludes. Followers will soon see younger talents step up into core attacking roles. ## Why this happened Lionel Messi is concluding his international career spanning nearly two decades, prompting the arrangement of this formal farewell fixture. - **Career Milestone:** At 39 years of age, Messi has reached the concluding phase of his top flight international journey. Having secured the World Cup and multiple Copa America trophies, the forward chose this stage to bow out. - **Home Farewell Organization:** The national team structure arranged a dedicated match to allow local supporters to bid farewell to their captain on home soil. The historic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires was chosen to host the event. - **Unmatched National Record:** Having debuted in August 2005 and registered a record 125 goals for his country, the fixture serves as an official culmination of his two decades in the national shirt. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Who is Argentina playing against in Lionel Messi's farewell match? Argentina is facing Benin in Lionel Messi's farewell match. ### 2. Where is the match taking place? The match is taking place at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. ### 3. When can Indian fans watch the match live? Fans in India can watch the match live on October 7 starting at 4:30 AM IST. ### 4. Which platform is streaming the match in India? The match will be streamed live in India on the digital platform ZEE5. ### 5. How many international goals has Lionel Messi scored for Argentina? Messi has scored a record total of 125 international goals for Argentina. ### 6. When did Lionel Messi make his senior international debut for Argentina? Messi made his senior debut in August 2005 in a friendly match against Hungary. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._