Lionel Messi is set to play his final match for Argentina as La Albiceleste prepare to take on Benin in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental.
The Argentina national football team is set to host Benin in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental on October 6 (BST). The match marks a historic occasion, as 39-year-old Lionel Messi prepares to play his final game in the national team jersey.
Lionel Scaloni’s side enters the fixture on the back of an emphatic 7-0 victory against Burkina Faso in their previous friendly outing. Messi, who stands as the second-highest goal scorer in international football with 125 goals in 207 appearances for La Albiceleste, is set to join the squad for training and feature in the attacking front one last time for his nation.
Benin, known as the Cheetahs, come into the contest led by manager Gernot Rohr following a 2-1 win over Mauritania in their AFCON qualifier. Nineteen-year-old left winger Rodolfo Aloko starred in that match with a sensational brace, though a defensive mistake cost Benin a clean sheet after taking a two-goal lead.
Both teams have a clean bill of health with all selected squad members fit for selection. Argentina's expected lineup features Emi Martinez in goal, backed by Giay, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina, Paz, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Prestianni, Messi, and Alvarez. Benin are predicted to line up with Dandjinou in goal, along with Ourou, Azongnito, Tijani, Roche, D’Almeida, Imourane, Ouorou, Olaitan, Aloko, and Tosin.
Broadcast coverage for the match in Argentina includes TyC Sports Argentina, Telefe Argentina, TyC Sports Play, and mitelefe, while SuperSport MáXimo 3, SuperSport Premier League ROA, and Benin TV will air the game in Benin. Fans can also stream or watch live on Zee5, Unite8 Sports 1, and Unite8 Sports 1 HD.
Reporting sourced from Khel Now. Photo courtesy Khel Now.