Lionel Messi will wear the Argentina shirt for the last time today, October 6, in a farewell friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Around 85,000 fans are expected to fill the stadium for the emotional send-off.

The 39-year-old announced his international retirement on August 31, weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. He retires with 125 goals in 207 caps; today's game will be his 208th and final appearance for his country.

Former teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso have joined the squad for the occasion, and tributes have poured in from across world football. Argentina's football association has planned a special pre-match ceremony honouring Messi's two-decade international career.

Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and the Copa America titles, cementing his place among the greatest to play the game. After today's farewell, he is expected to continue at club level. For Argentine fans, tonight is simply about saying thank you.

Sources: livemint.com; nbcsports.com; usatoday.com.