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Argentina vs Benin: Preview, Lineups and Final Farewell to Messi

Argentina is set to host Benin in a friendly that carries extra weight, as it marks Lionel Messi's final appearance for his country. This match will be played at Buenos Aires’ iconic Estadio Monumental, where fans will gather to celebrate the career of one of football’s all-time greats.

After announcing his international retirement following Argentina's heartbreaking loss to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi will still take the field one last time in front of his home crowd. The 208th cap for La Albiceleste is expected to be emotional as he aims to add to his record 125 international goals against an opponent he has never faced before.

Benin's Recent Form and Challenge

The African side, nicknamed the Cheetahs, have shown signs of resilience with two wins in their last three matches, including victories over Guinea and Mauritania. Their draw against Burkina Faso sits between those wins. Despite their progress, they face a tough challenge against a highly clinical Argentina squad, which scored 11 goals combined in recent friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.

Match Outlook and Predictions

  • Messi's Farewell: Expect the legendary No. 10 to shine one last time, with teammates eager to feed him the ball frequently to ensure he leaves the pitch having scored.
  • Argentina vs African Teams: Argentina has won all seven encounters against African nations this decade, including a dominant 7-0 win over Burkina Faso recently.
  • Benin’s Struggles: They have lost five of their last nine games and conceded three or more goals in four of those defeats, hinting at a difficult night ahead.
  • Score Prediction: Argentina 4, Benin 0.

Predicted Argentina Lineup

All eyes will be on Messi, likely paired upfront with Julian Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez. Nicolás Otamendi is also expected to make his final appearance for Argentina, bringing his cap total to 140. Some doubts hover over Nicolás Tagliafico and Giovani Lo Celso due to minor injuries. Coach Lionel Scaloni will probably stick close to the lineup that thrashed Burkina Faso, resting some players during the game.

  • Formation (4-4-2):
  • Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
  • Defenders: Giay, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Medina
  • Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Paz
  • Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez

Predicted Benin Lineup

Coach Gernot Rohr is missing Dokou Dodo and Rachid Moumini but has included 21-year-old striker Sahid Ngobi, who might get some playing time. Lorient forward Aiyegun Tosin, who recently scored his fourth international goal, will lead the attack. Goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou will try to stop Argentina's offense and is coming off a confident performance where he saved a penalty in the win over Mauritania.

  • Formation (4-2-3-1):
  • Goalkeeper: Marcel Dandjinou
  • Defenders: Azongnitode, Roche, Tijani, T. Ouorou
  • Defensive Midfielders: D’Almeida, Imourane
  • Attacking Midfielders: Y. Ouorou, Olaïtan, Aloko
  • Forward: Aiyegun Tosin

Match Details and Broadcast Info

  • Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Stadium: Estadio Monumental
  • Date: Tuesday, October 6 / Wednesday, October 7
  • Kickoff Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT / 12 a.m. BST (Oct. 7)
  • Broadcasts:
  • United States: ViX
  • Mexico: ViX Mexico
  • United Kingdom: Premier Sports 2, Premier Sports Player
  • Canada: Not available

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