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Some football endings are hard to picture until the date lands on the calendar. For Lionel Messi, it is Tuesday, October 6, when Argentina take on Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, a send-off in front of the home crowd. For viewers in India, Lionel Messi's last football match begins at 4:30 AM IST on Wednesday, October 7, with live streaming on ZEE5. There is no live television telecast of the friendly in India.
Messi's story with Argentina has stretched across more than two decades, through painful defeats, harsh criticism and redemption, before reaching some of the greatest nights in the country's football history. The man who lifted the World Cup in 2022 and captained Argentina to four major international titles will pull on the blue and white one more time. Here is everything you need to know, from the date and India time to the venue and streaming details.
Messi's farewell game will take place on October 6 in Buenos Aires, with Argentina facing Benin at 8:00 PM local time. That translates to 4:30 AM IST on Wednesday, October 7, making this a late-night-to-early-morning viewing for Indian fans.
The farewell will unfold at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the home of Argentina's national team. The Argentine Football Association has described the fixture as a special occasion built around celebrating Messi's career in front of the home crowd.
Indian viewers can watch Argentina vs Benin live on ZEE5. The platform has listed the match for streaming from 4:30 AM IST on October 7. There is currently no live TV telecast listed in India for the friendly.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina's record appearance-maker and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals. His major honours with the senior national team include the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The ending also carries a sense of reunion. Members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning group are expected to share the occasion with Messi and their families, turning what is technically a friendly into something closer to a national celebration. Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi is also expected to say goodbye, while Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso are among the other established names involved in the occasion.
For Argentina, it is one more match. For Messi, it is the final time the captain's armband, the No. 10 shirt and the blue-and-white stripes will belong to him on this stage.
When is Lionel Messi's last football match?
Messi will play his final Argentina match against Benin on October 6, 2026.
What time will Lionel Messi's last football match start in India?
The match will kick off at 4:30 AM IST on Wednesday, October 7.
Where will Messi's final Argentina match be played?
The match will take place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Where can I watch Lionel Messi's last football match in India?
The match will be available for live streaming on ZEE5.
Will Lionel Messi's farewell match be televised in India?
There is no live television telecast listed for the match in India.
How many goals has Messi scored for Argentina?
Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina.