Argentina vs Benin Preview, prediction, team news, lineups | International friendly 2026

Time for Lionel Messi’s final match with the national team!

The Argentina national football team will battle it out against the Benin national football team. It is going to be an international friendly outing, but with a very special occasion. This interesting outing is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Monumental.

La Albiceleste are coming off a dominant 7-0 victory against Burkina Faso in their recent friendly matchup. It was a well-balanced and a top of the line performances by the Argentine side. Lionel Scaloni’s men controlled the majority of the game and were lethal with their efforts in the final third.

The Argentina national football team will be home once again, and it is going to be a big advantage for them. Lionel Messi is all set to compete in his final game in the national team jersey. They will be looking to extend their winning run.

The Cheetahs have put in some decent performances in their last three matches. They are coming off a 2-1 win against Mauritania in their AFCON qualifier. The Benin national football team comfortably took a two-goal lead, but a defensive error did not allow them to secure a clean sheet.

The Gernot Rohr-led side are going to face a tough contest in their upcoming outing. Even though they are on a positive run of form, being away from home will only make things tougher for them.

Kick-off:

• Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Stadium: Estadio Más Monumental
• Date: Wednesday, October 7
• Kick-off Time: 04:30 AM IST (Tuesday, Oct 6; 11:00 PM GMT/ 07:00 PM ET/ 04:00 PM PT)
• Referee: TBA
• VAR: In use

Form:

Argentina: W-W-L-W-W

Benin: L-L-W-D-W

Players to Watch

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

The 39-year-old is all set to play his final game for the Argentina national football team. He will join the squad for training. He is going to play an important role in the attacking front for the final time for his nation.

Lionel Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 games for La Albiceleste and is the second-highest goal scorer in international football.

Rodolfo Aloko (Benin)

Rodolfo Aloko will be looking to step up his game once again so that he can help his side stand a chance against Argentina. He is coming after scoring a sensational brace for the Benin national football team in their 2-1 victory against Mauritania. The 19-year-old will be once again deployed on the left flank for the Cheetahs.

Match Facts

• Argentina are on a two-match winning streak.
• Benin are on a three-game unbeaten run.
• These nations will go head-to-head for the first time.

Betting Tips & Odds

• La Albiceleste to win
• Leo Messi to score
• Goals over 3.5

Injury and Team News

All of the selected squad members for both Argentina and Benin are fit to be in action.

Head-to-Head

Matches played: 0

Argentina (wins): 0

Benin (wins): 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Argentina predicted XI (4-4-2)

Emi Martinez (GK); Giay, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; Paz, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Prestianni; Messi, Alvarez

Benin predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Dandjinou (GK); Ourou, Azongnito, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Ouorou, Olaitan, Aloko; Tosin

Match Prediction

With superior squad quality and the home-ground advantage, Argentina will have a clear stronghold. Benin are going to face a new challenge and will be looking to put up a strong fight.

Lionel Messi and company are likely to come out on top and secure a win.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Benin

Telecast Details

India: Zee5, Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD

Argentina: TyC Sports Argentina, Telefe Argentina, TyC Sports Play, mitelefe

Benin: SuperSport MáXimo 3, SuperSport Premier League ROA, Benin TV

UK: Premier Sports Player, Premier Sports 2

USA: ViX, TUDN Radio

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