Football NewsThe GuardianUnverified source· 26 Sept 2026
Messi's Argentina exit leaves void before Benin farewell
Argentina must begin life without their ultimate get-out clause as Messi prepares for a final friendly farewell.
L. Messi
player
Player
Lionel Messi
Team
Argentina
Farewell match
vs Benin
When
a week on Wednesday
What happened. Lionel Messi will return a week on Wednesday for a formal farewell in a friendly against Benin. Before that, Argentina face two games without him, beginning to experience a future without their most potent get-out-of-jail-free card.
- Messi's international career had two distinct halves: early doubts over his fit, then trophy success.
- Argentina must now cope without their ultimate get-out clause when games go awry.
- The Benin friendly marks his formal farewell after a legendary Albiceleste career.
Argentina's upcoming matches will offer a first glimpse of how they plan to replace Messi's influence before his official farewell.
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Argentina
