Benin will travel to Buenos Aires on Wednesday, October 6, 2026, to face Argentina at the Estadio Monumental in Lionel Messi’s farewell match for his country. The story was last updated on October 5, 2026 by sports reporter Robert Ilsley.
Benin is a West African nation situated between Togo and Nigeria, with Burkina Faso and Niger to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The country is home to around 14.8 million people, its official capital is Porto‑Novo and its largest city and economic hub is Cotonou.
Known as the Cheetahs on the football pitch, Benin have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Their biggest achievement came at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, when they reached the quarter‑finals for the first time, and they have appeared at the continental tournament five times, including the 2025 edition.
Historic First Meeting
Messi has faced 63 different nations during his senior international career, but Wednesday marks his final appearance and his first encounter with Benin. The fixture will be the first ever meeting between the two nations, giving Benin the unique distinction of being the opponent in Messi’s last international game.
For a side that has never played at a World Cup, taking on the reigning world champions in front of a huge crowd in Buenos Aires represents a remarkable occasion. The match also highlights the growing profile of African football on the global stage.
Logistical Concerns for Benin
Reports indicate the Benin delegation travelled on a standard scheduled flight, with several members falling ill during the journey. A member of the team’s video staff was reported to have fainted, adding to the concerns.
Accommodation issues have also been raised, with players staying in hotels that lack proper strength‑training facilities and one floor reportedly missing hot water. The Guardian notes the Argentine FA chose Benin partly because the lower match fee helps retain a larger share of the revenue generated from the fixture.