Published : 06 Oct 2026, 04:26 PM
Updated : 06 Oct 2026, 04:26 PM
Lionel Messi's Argentina farewell will be much more than a football match, with drones, fireworks, live music and a mystery act lined up for a night-long celebration at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium.
Argentina face Benin on Tuesday in what will be Messi's final appearance for the national team, bringing down the curtain on a glittering international career spanning more than two decades.
But the farewell will begin hours before the 8pm kick-off and continue well after the final whistle, with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) turning the occasion into a celebration of its long-time captain.
The Monumental will open its doors at 4pm, before a programme of live music gets under way at 5:30pm, according to the schedule released by the AFA.
A string of Argentine artists will perform in the build-up, including popular cumbia band Damas Gratis, before Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sings the national anthem.
There will also be a musical performance at half-time.
The biggest production, however, has been saved for after Messi's final whistle.
Argentine media report that the trophies Messi has won with the national team will be brought out on to the pitch, including honours from his youth career.
A microphone will also be made available should the 39-year-old decide to address the more than 85,000 supporters expected inside the Monumental.
A drone display, fireworks, lights and other effects will then fill the stadium before further live performances by Argentine singers Soledad Pastorutti and Ulises Bueno.
AFA President Claudio Tapia and CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez are also expected to present Messi with commemorative gifts.
Even that will not be the end.
The programme lists a surprise musical show for around 10:35pm as the grand finale, with the identity of the act being kept under wraps.
The celebrations will stretch beyond the Monumental.
A separate "Gracias Leo" Fan Fest is being held at the University of Buenos Aires' Ciudad Universitaria for supporters unable to attend the match, with music, entertainment and other activities during the day before the farewell is shown on a giant screen.
Several of Messi's former and current Argentina teammates are also expected to be part of the occasion. The AFA invited members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend, with Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes among those expected at the Monumental.
Messi heads into his final appearance as Argentina's record appearance-maker and goalscorer. His senior international honours include the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup.
Argentina also reached the 2026 World Cup final in his last major tournament with the national team.
The result against Benin may ultimately be the least memorable part of Tuesday's programme.
For one night, the Monumental has been prepared less as the venue for an international friendly than as the stage for Argentina's final celebration of its iconic No. 10.
