Lionel Messi plays his final game for Argentina in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental. Benin provide the opposition as one of the greatest players of all time bows out of international football.

Strong Argentina lineup expected for Messi farewell

After beating England in the semi-finals, only an extra-time defeat to Spain denied Argentina their fourth World Cup this summer. Following that loss, Messi made his decision to retire from national team duty, but he has been allowed the chance to say goodbye in this match.

With 125 goals in 207 outings for his country, the 39-year-old is La Albiceleste’s record appearance maker and highest scorer. He could partner Julián Álvarez in attack in Buenos Aires, and against weak opposition, there should be chances for Messi to further improve his tally.

Since the 7-0 weekend win over Burkina Faso, Nicolás Otamendi has also joined the squad for his last international appearance. Juan Foyth and Thiago Almada have pulled out due to injuries.

Argentina predicted lineup vs Benin (4-4-2): E. Martínez; Giay, Otamendi, Romero, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, E. Fernández, Paz; Messi, Álvarez.

Key absentees hamper Benin ahead of friendly

Benin were always going to be huge underdogs for this match, but their task is made more difficult by some selection issues. Captain Steve Mounié, who has netted 23 times in 71 appearances for his country, is sidelined through injury.

The visitors will also need to cope without Olivier Verdon. He is serving a six-month ban imposed on the defender by the Beninese Football Federation for disciplinary breaches.

Light changes are expected after Les Guépards took four points from their opening two AFCON qualifiers. Rodolfo Aloko should continue out wide after scoring twice in the 2-1 win over Mauritania last week.

Benin predicted lineup vs Argentina (4-2-3-1): Dandjinou; Azongnitodé, Roche, Tijani, T. Ouorou; Hassane, D'Almeida; Aloko, Olaitan, Y. Ouorou; Aiyegun.

Argentina vs Benin Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Argentina -3 Handicap
  • Odds: 1.27 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Argentina 6-0 Benin
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 52GU9

Key stats:

  • Benin have conceded three or more goals in five of their 13 matches since the start of the 2025/26 season.
  • Including extra time, Argentina have won 93% of their fixtures in 2026.
  • La Albiceleste have scored 11 goals in two outings during this international break.

Argentina’s players will be motivated for this friendly as they’ll be keen to ensure Messi’s incredible international career ends on a positive note. Lionel Scaloni’s team have responded well to their World Cup disappointment by winning back-to-back fixtures by four or more goals.

Benin’s last non-competitive encounter saw them beaten by a four-goal margin against Togo. They lost three of their four matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and have little experience facing opposition of this quality. Backing Argentina -3 handicap is a safe pick at odds of 1.27.

Argentina vs Benin Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Argentina to score over 4.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.87 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: MU3U9

Despite his age, Messi is still performing at an elite level. He registered eight goals and four assists in eight outings at the 2026 World Cup.

The legendary forward will be hungry for at least one farewell strike, while his team are averaging exactly three goals per game this year. Against the world’s 93rd-ranked nation, backing Argentina to score over 4.5 goals offers value.

Verdict: Argentina -3 Handicap (1.27) — Argentina 6-0 Benin