Argentina vs Benin Lineup Today: Lionel Messi will start for Argentina against Benin in what has become one of the most emotional nights in the national team’s history. Lionel Scaloni has selected a familiar 4-3-3 formation for Messi’s final appearance in the famous blue and white shirt at the Estadio Monumental.
Emiliano Martínez starts in goal, with Agustín Giay, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolás Tagliafico forming the back four. Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández make up the midfield, while Messi joins Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez in attack.
Messi Leads Argentina One Last Time
The biggest storyline is, naturally, Messi. The 39-year-old captain is wearing the No. 10 for Argentina one final time, bringing an extraordinary international career to its closing chapter.
Messi’s farewell carries enormous weight after more than two decades with the national team. He helped Argentina win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup, turning years of international disappointment into one of the most successful eras in the country’s football history.
The Monumental has been packed for the occasion, with supporters arriving to celebrate a player whose relationship with Argentina changed dramatically over the course of his career.
Argentina Team News and Key Changes
Scaloni has chosen experience around Messi rather than using the friendly primarily as an opportunity to experiment. Several of the players selected have shared major moments with Messi during Argentina’s trophy-winning years.
Giay keeps his place at right-back after establishing himself during recent international matches. Romero and Otamendi provide experience in central defence, while Tagliafico returns on the left. De Paul’s inclusion is also particularly significant because of his close relationship with Messi and his long history in the national team.
The midfield trio should allow Argentina to control possession while giving Messi freedom to move into dangerous areas. Up front, Lautaro and Álvarez provide movement and finishing around the captain.
Benin Starting XI Confirmed
Benin arrive in Buenos Aires knowing that the spotlight will be firmly on Argentina and Messi, but Gernot Rohr’s side still has a chance to make the occasion competitive.
Marcel Dandjinou starts in goal, protected by Liam Omore, Yohan Roche, Mohamed Tijani and Tamimou Ouorou. Sessi D’Almeida captains the team from midfield, alongside Rodolfo Aloko, Junior Olaitan, Hassane Imourane and Yamirou Ouorou, with Aiyegun Tosin leading the attack.
Benin’s challenge will be to stay organized against an Argentina side packed with technically gifted players. Rohr has previously stressed that his team intends to compete rather than simply serve as part of the farewell celebrations.
The Confirmed Lineups at a Glance
| Team | Formation | Key player |
| Argentina | 4-3-3 | Lionel Messi |
| Benin | 4-3-3 | Aiyegun Tosin |
| Venue | Estadio Monumental | Buenos Aires |
Argentina XI: Emiliano Martínez; Agustín Giay, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez.
Benin XI: Marcel Dandjinou; Liam Omore, Yohan Roche, Mohamed Tijani, Tamimou Ouorou; Sessi D’Almeida, Rodolfo Aloko, Junior Olaitan, Hassane Imourane, Yamirou Ouorou; Aiyegun Tosin.
Why Argentina vs Benin Matters
On paper, this is an international friendly, but the football significance is much bigger than the competition itself. Messi’s final Argentina appearance transforms the match into a landmark moment for the national team.
Argentina also enter with confidence after a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their previous friendly. The team will want another strong performance, but the result is likely to be remembered less than Messi’s final minutes on the international stage.
For supporters inside the Monumental, the real story is the chance to watch Messi represent Argentina for the last time. After years of unforgettable goals, trophies and historic nights, the No. 10 is taking his final bow in front of the fans who followed his entire journey.
FAQ
Is Lionel Messi starting against Benin?
Yes. Lionel Messi is confirmed to start for Argentina and will captain the team in his final international appearance.
What formation is Argentina using?
Argentina are starting with a 4-3-3 formation, with Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez forming the attacking trio.
Who is Argentina’s goalkeeper against Benin?
Emiliano Martínez starts in goal for Argentina, with Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi in central defence.
