Messi is sitting out today’s matchup as he prepares for his final appearance with the national team on Tuesday, Oct. 6, against Benin in Buenos Aires, a historic match that will serve as his official international farewell.

Despite earlier reports suggesting the fixture against Burkina Faso was at risk, both nations are set to take the pitch. Argentina is expected to field a youthful lineup as manager Lionel Scaloni looks to give emerging talents a chance to impress against the West African side.

With live broadcast details for Argentina vs Burkina Faso available for U.S. viewers, fan anticipation is high to see how the young roster steps up. Midfielder Nico Paz is among the headliners expected to take center stage following his standout performance in Argentina‘s recent win over Bolivia.

Predicted lineup for Argentina without Messi

Argentina has already proven it can deliver without Messi, cruising to a dominant 4-0 victory over Bolivia at the Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba behind a refreshed lineup.

Here is Argentina’s predicted starting XI to face Burkina Faso:

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
• Defenders: Agustin Giay (Palmeiras), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Roman Vega (Argentinos Juniors)
• Midfielders: Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Ezequiel “Equi” Fernandez (Al Qadsiah), Nico Paz (Como)
• Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atlético Madrid), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras)

Argentine supporters will be watching closely today as the squad fine-tunes its play before Tuesday’s main event against Benin, the final chapter of Lionel Messi’s legendary international career and the end of an era for global soccer.

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi is sitting out today’s matchup against Burkina Faso.
• His official international farewell match against Benin is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6.
• Argentina earned a dominant 4-0 victory over Bolivia in their recent match.

Per Infobae, the plane scheduled to transport the African squad from Morocco to Buenos Aires has not yet taken off. The original plan called for them to arrive in Argentina on the night of Tuesday, September 29, yet three days later, Burkina Faso still have not even departed Morocco.

Behind-the-scenes details state that the African squad had agreed on a set of conditions to be provided by the AFA. However, those conditions ultimately failed to materialize. Faced with this situation, the players decided to delay their trip until the agreed-upon terms were met.

Burkina Faso made a statement

The Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) issued a statement shortly after midday on Friday (Argentina time). “The Burkina Faso Football Federation wishes to inform the general public… about the situation currently facing the Burkina Faso delegation in Morocco regarding their trip to Buenos Aires for the international friendly match between Argentina and Burkina Faso.

The national team’s travel plans were disrupted after the company chartering the aircraft cancelled—without prior notice—the flight originally scheduled for September 30. This cancellation necessitated a reorganization of the delegation’s itinerary,” they stated.

Was the Burkina Faso’s game Lionel Messi’s farewell?

Burkina Faso was the second-to-last game in this FIFA international window. Thankfully for Argentina, Messi’s last game with the ‘Albiceleste‘ is scheduled to be on October, 6 vs. Benin.

Hence, Messi’s farewell isn’t in actual jeopardy. In that regard, no one should be sweating that part. However, organizationally, AFA would be in deep trouble to be able to refund all the fans attending the game against Burkina Faso, if it so happens that the game doesn’t take place.

Key takeaways

• Burkina Faso’s charter flight from Morocco to Buenos Aires was canceled, leaving the squad stranded.
• The visiting team delayed travel due to unfulfilled financial and organizational conditions from AFA.
• Lionel Messi’s international farewell remains on track for the October 6 match against Benin.

Things will never be the same for La Albiceleste, as one of the greatest players in history will no longer wear its jersey after 21 years of representing his country. Can Argentina adapt to playing without Messi on the pitch?

This series of friendly matches will be a major test for Scaloni’s team as it begins to shape the post-Messi era. With several names already being mentioned as potential replacements in some capacity, the team that has won it all in recent years is now beginning its transition process.

Other players who also said goodbye to the Argentina national team

Lionel Messi is not the only player who decided to retire from international football following the conclusion of the last World Cup. Nicolas Otamendi, another veteran who won several major tournaments with Argentina, also said goodbye to the national team.

There are two other names who, while they have not publicly confirmed their retirement, remain uncertain regarding their future with the national team. The first is Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s longtime ally, while the other is Giovani Lo Celso.

Argentina’s friendly matches

During the late-September and early-October 2026 FIFA international window, the Argentina national team is playing three home friendly matches:

• vs. Bolivia: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes in Cordoba.
• vs. Burkina Faso: Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
• vs. Benin: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

During the match against Benin, the final game of the three friendly matches, Messi will have his official farewell, with the game serving as a tribute to his legendary career. A major celebration is expected, with the vast majority of his teammates from the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar joining him for the occasion.

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi announced his retirement after 21 years representing La Albiceleste.
• Nicolas Otamendi also retired from international football following the World Cup.
• Argentina will play three friendly matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin.

According to 365Scores, Messi has poured in 20 goals since the 2026 World Cup, pushing his career total to 931. By contrast, Ronaldo has added just six goals since the tournament in North America wrapped up, bringing his tally to 979. Before the World Cup kicked off, Messi stood at 911 goals, while Cristiano sat at 973.

Messi’s World Cup brilliance included eight goals during Argentina’s run, compared to just two from Ronaldo. That stark contrast earned the Argentine star a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, while the Portuguese icon was left off the shortlist entirely.

Messi recently netted his 76th career free-kick goal with Inter Miami, continuing his lethal form, while Ronaldo was omitted from Portugal’s squad during their recent 2-1 victory over Norway.

Messi set for farewell match with Argentina

Called up to Argentina’s squad for a farewell appearance in Buenos Aires, Messi is expected to play his final international match on Oct. 6 against Burkina Faso to wrap up La Albiceleste’s international window.

He is going to sit out the Sept. 30 match against Bolivia at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, as well as the Oct. 3 fixture against Benin, Argentina’s first match of the window at Monumental Stadium.

Ronaldo’s path to 1,000 Goals: What’s left in 2026?

With head coach Jorge Jesus doubting Ronaldo will reach the 1,000-goal mark with the national team, the superstar will need to lean heavily on club action to net the remaining 21 goals needed for the milestone.

Here is a look at Ronaldo’s remaining schedule for the year:

• Al Nassr (Saudi Pro League & AFC Champions League Elite)
  • Fri, Oct 2, 2026: Al Nassr vs. Al Hilal (Saudi Pro League)
  • Tue, Oct 20, 2026: Al Nassr vs. Al Sadd (AFC Champions League Elite)
  • Fri, Oct 23, 2026: Al Ahli vs. Al Nassr (Saudi Pro League)
  • Fri, Oct 30, 2026: Al Nassr vs. Al Ittihad (Saudi Pro League)
  • Tue, Nov 3, 2026: Al Rayyan vs. Al Nassr (AFC Champions League Elite)
  • Sat, Nov 21, 2026: Al Nassr vs. Al Shabab (Saudi Pro League)
  • Tue, Nov 24, 2026: Al Nassr vs. Persepolis (AFC Champions League Elite)
  • Sat, Dec 5, 2026: Al Ettifaq vs. Al Nassr (Saudi Pro League)
  • Sat, Dec 12, 2026: Al Nassr vs. Al Taawoun (Saudi Pro League)

• UEFA Nations League Schedule (October & November 2026):
  • Thursday, Oct 1, 2026: Denmark vs. Portugal (Parken Stadium, Copenhagen)
  • Sunday, Oct 4, 2026: Portugal vs. Norway (Estadio do Dragão, Porto)
  • Saturday, Nov 14, 2026: Portugal vs. Denmark
  • Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026: Wales vs. Portugal

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi scored 20 goals since the 2026 World Cup to reach 931, closing the gap with Cristiano Ronaldo by 14 goals.
• Cristiano Ronaldo stands at 979 career goals after scoring six since the tournament.
• Argentina scheduled a farewell match on Oct. 6 against Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires.

Per reporter Michelle Kaufman, Courtois wasn’t happy with Inter Miami‘s complaining attitude towards the referee. “I would be red carded after five minutes against those guys [if I was playing]. It’s too much. What they do is bad for the game and it’s sad. The guys, they stayed focused, and we’ll focus on that,” Courtois said.

Inter Miami has plenty of Latin American players and they come from a different school of soccer. They are used to contact, plenty of ref-talk, and Courtois wasn’t having it, even if his team won the game against Lionel Messi.

Messi and Inter Miami are still in a dire situation

While Inter Miami’s spot on the table isn’t precisely bad, they haven’t been winning a lot lately. After appointing Kily Gonzalez as head coach, the fortunes haven’t turned around. However, Gonzalez was adamant on making clear the refereeing mistakes cost Inter Miami the game.

“There were very clear incidents on the pitch: the first moment involving Daniel was a handball, and before their second goal, there was a foul on Rodrigo (De Paul). As for the goal itself, it was valid, I just watched the replay. These things happen in football, and we have to accept them,” Gonzalez said.

Inter Miami’s spot in the standings

Inter Miami are now third in the Eastern Conference behind Nashville and New England. Also, Charlotte and Chicago are now both very close to Inter Miami, as they trail by three and four points, though Chicago has a game in hand.

While Inter Miami should have the talent and ability to turn things around, it’s time to make it count. After all, they just lost to Columbus, who are 12th and have lost almost double the games they’ve won.

Key takeaways

• Laurent Courtois slammed Inter Miami’s complaining attitude toward referees following a Columbus Crew victory.
• Coach Kily Gonzalez claimed refereeing mistakes cost Inter Miami during their recent match.
• Inter Miami sits third in the Eastern Conference standings behind Nashville and New England.

The Herons were trailing 1-0 in the first half following a penalty scored by Josef Martinez, who was one of Messi’s first teammates in Miami back in 2023. Only six minutes after the Crew took the lead, Messi made sure to make things level in the first half.

The night ended in a late loss for Miami, but at least there’s a positive aspect on the personal side for Messi, who now needs just two more free kick goals to tie the all-time record. Just watch this absolute beauty of yet another piece of art by Leo:

Who has more career free kick goals than Lionel Messi?

Messi is chasing the record set by former Brazilian soccer player Marcelinho Carioca, who recorded 78 free kick goals throughout his career. But the Argentine star knows a thing or two about surpassing Brazilian players on this list.

Messi is already second behind Marcelinho Carioca, having overtaken the likes of Jair Rosa Pinto, Roberto Dinamite, and Juninho Pernambucano recently.

1. Marcelinho Carioca – 78 career free kick goals
2. Lionel Messi – 76
3. Jair Rosa Pinto – 74
4. Roberto Dinamite – 73
5. Juninho Pernambucano – 72

Key takeaways

• Lionel Messi scored his 76th career free kick against Columbus Crew in 2026.
• Just two goals separate the Argentine superstar from tying the all-time record.
• 78 free kick goals is the all-time record held by Marcelinho Carioca.

According to Inter Miami, nine Inter Miami players have been called up for the September and October international windows across senior and youth levels. However, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will participate in Inter Miami’s matches until October 6, when they play for Argentina against Benin.

However, they will lose against Columbus the following seven players who were called up by their countries:

• German Berterame (Mexico)
• Dayne St. Clair (Canada)
• Matias Galarza (Paraguay)
• Fricio Caicedo (Ecuador)
• Lovend’s Delinois (Haiti)
• Daniel Pinter (USA/U-20)
• Alexander Shaw (USA/U-19)

Messi available for a crucial match

Although Argentina will have prior games, Messi will only attend his farewell match on October 6 against Benin. From there, they will be able to be present for their respective matches, as is the case against Columbus Crew.

This match carries weight, as Inter Miami will look to earn three points again to stay near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings. The team needs a positive result to sustain its aspirations heading into the final stretch of the season and remain in contention for the top spot.

Columbus Crew, for their part, will have the opportunity to climb the table. A victory would be key to starting to leave behind the bottom spots of the conference and regaining ground in the competition.

How both teams enter the match

Columbus Crew are coming off a 2-0 victory against CF Montreal. With this result, they have seven wins, five draws, and 14 losses, placing them in 13th place.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami enter after a 2-2 draw with San Diego, where Lionel Messi scored a free-kick goal that brought him closer to breaking the record — a result that leaves them with 12 wins, 10 draws, and four losses in third place in the Eastern Conference.

With his performance at Nu Stadium against the California side, Lionel Messi now has 75 career free-kick goals, placing him in second place in soccer history for the statistic, with only one player having scored more.

Brazilian footballer Marcelinho Carioca is the all-time leader in free-kick goals with 78, achieved with clubs like Flamengo, Corinthians, and Santos in his native country. However, that mark is now well within reach for the Argentine star, as Messi is just three free-kick goals away from tying him and four from passing him.

Greats surpassed by Messi

Until recently, Messi trailed other Brazilian greats like Roberto Dinamite, Juninho Pernambucano, and Jair Rosa Pinto, who also surpassed 70 free-kick goals.

The historic list features massive names: Roberto Dinamite with 73 free-kick goals, Juninho Pernambucano with 72, Marcos Assuncao with 68, Sinisa Mihajlovic with 67, and Jorge Aravena with 65.

However, throughout this season, Messi has surpassed them during a campaign filled with free-kick goals, making it a regular expectation whenever Inter Miami play. It appears to be the best phase of his career — or one of the best — in this specific skill.

Messi’s race to 1,000 goals

Beyond his pursuit of Marcelinho Carioca, Messi also reached an incredible milestone with his goal against San Diego, hitting 930 total official goals in his career.

That total is currently the second-highest in soccer history, trailing only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who is also chasing 1,000 goals with 979 strikes to date.

Key takeaways

• 75 career free-kick goals were reached by Lionel Messi against San Diego FC.
• 78 free-kick goals make Marcelinho Carioca the all-time leader in soccer history.
• 930 total official goals trail only Cristiano Ronaldo’s 979 career strikes.

Early in the match, San Diego stunned Nu Stadium. Following a defensive lapse, Anders Dreyer slipped past the defense and charged toward the goalkeeper. The visitors’ Danish No. 10 delivered a clinical finish to open the scoring at 1-0 in the 12th minute.

Inter Miami went into halftime tied thanks to the free kick from Lionel Messi, which marked his 101st goal for the club. After reaching 100 goals with Inter Miami during their Campeones Cup victory against Cruz Azul, the Herons’ No. 10 continues to build on his stat sheet.

Messi’s season so far

Messi has recorded 20 goals in the 2026 MLS season for Inter Miami. The Argentine star leads the league in scoring, maintaining a dominant pace during the regular season ahead of the year’s decisive challenges.

The captain maintains a decisive presence in the Herons’ attack. His influence extends beyond scoring, as he has logged 11 assists in 22 matches played during the tournament, consolidating his role as the cornerstone of the Florida franchise.

Messi‘s regular-season performance keeps the Miami squad in contention for top spots in the Eastern Conference. Highlighted by memorable outings, including a four-goal performance against CF Montreal, the South American forward continues to display complete dominance in front of the net.

Now Inter Miami will look to finish the season on a strong note, aiming to enter the postseason as a solid contender in pursuit of winning the MLS title, while Messi inches closer to the 1,000-goal mark, sitting just 70 goals away.

“When you watch him deliver on nights like this, or recall what he did at the World Cup, his inclusion in the Ballon d’Or discussion isn’t luck,” Beckham told Apple TV following Miami’s 2-0 victory. “He was the best player in this tournament at 39 years old. The impact he had on the World Cup was extraordinary, nobody else is performing at this level at his age. In my opinion, he deserves to win it.“

Beyond the trophy itself, Messi reached a monumental milestone during the match, tallying his 100th career goal for Inter Miami while adding another record to his MLS resume. The performance offered yet another reminder that for the timeless superstar, age remains secondary to generational talent.

While debate continues over parallel achievements by Cristiano Ronaldo with Al Nassr, the larger narrative centers on appreciation. With both legends nearing the sunset of their legendary careers, these historic moments deserve to be savored before the era officially draws to a close.

Casemiro’s thoughts on Messi winning Ballon d’Or

Once fiercest rivals in El Clasico—with Messi representing Barcelona and Casemiro anchoring Real Madrid—the Brazilian midfielder now shares the pitch with the maestro, gaining a firsthand perspective on his sustained greatness.

“We just have to enjoy him and be grateful for what he does on the field. Having him as a teammate makes everything easier,” Casemiro said in his postmatch interview on Apple TV. “I can’t decide who wins the Ballon d’Or, but as his teammate, I certainly hope he takes it. Above all, we just need to appreciate what he’s doing.”

As the race for football’s top individual honor takes shape, Messi re-enters an elite field alongside contenders like Lamine Yamal, while iconic names like Ronaldo were notably left off this year’s shortlist.

Messi became the fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 goals for a single club across all competitions. Looking at the bigger picture, his output remains staggering—adding 55 assists in 144 total appearances as he continues to elevate his legacy in North America.

Having secured their first piece of silverware of the 2026 campaign, Messi and Inter Miami remain in pursuit of additional hardware this season. Expectations remain sky-high for the captain, especially following the announcement that he has been called up for Argentina’s international farewell tour.

Hitting the century mark in South Florida naturally sparked comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo’s scoring exploits with Al Nassr, as fans immediately began debating the two legends’ goal tallies following Messi’s latest milestone.

Messi’s records in the MLS

Since arriving at Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Lionel Messi has shattered a series of league-wide and franchise records across Major League Soccer. Here is a look at his defining MLS marks:

• Most goal contributions in a single game (6): On May 4, 2024, against the New York Red Bulls, Messi recorded an unprecedented six goal contributions (1 goal, 5 assists) in a 6–2 rout.
• Most assists in a single match (5): In that same performance against New York, Messi set the single-game MLS assist record by setting up five goals.
• Most consecutive games with multiple goal contributions (5): Became the first player in MLS history to register multiple goals or assists in five straight regular-season matches (2024).
• Fastest player to 25 goal contributions: Needed just 12 regular-season appearances to reach 25 goal contributions (goals + assists), shattering the previous mark held by Carlos Vela (16 games).

Messi and his franchise records

Beyond his league-wide feats, Messi has firmly established himself as the foundational icon of Inter Miami CF. Here is the breakdown of his franchise records with the Herons:

• All-time leading goalscorer: The first player in club history to hit 100 goals across all official competitions.
• All-time assist leader: Holds the franchise record with 55+ assists across all competitions.
• Single-season points record: Spearheaded Inter Miami’s 2024 Supporters’ Shield triumph with a league-record 74 regular-season points.
• Most trophies with club: The most decorated player in franchise history, captaining Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield, 2025 MLS Cup and 2026 Campeones Cup.