Benin Overview

Lionel Messi has shared an emotional message ahead of his final match for Argentina, as the national team prepare to host Benin for his official farewell. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will take to the pitch for his country one last time in October wearing a special kit, giving fans a final opportunity to celebrate his historic international career and World Cup triumph.

Miguel comrades return with Messi on farewell night

Who is the new supporter?

There are only three certainties in life: death, taxes and a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations. However, even by the tournament's extraordinary standards, the final of the 2025 edition was like nothing we've ever seen before - albeit not in a good way. In the 93rd minute of a tense but largely uneventful encounter in Rabat, Senegal had a goal from Ismaila Sarr very harshly disallowed for a perceived foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi beforehand. Just moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after an invention by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), who had spotted a minor tug on Brahim Diaz's shirt by El Hadji Malick Diouf.