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Lionel Messi arrives in Argentina with his family for final match

The Argentina captain arrived in his hometown of Rosario on Friday, October 2, aboard a private jet

Lionel Messi of Argentina is pictured after the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at the New York-New Jersey stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Waleed Ibrahim/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

OCTOBER 2, 2026 6:33 PM EDTOCT 2, 2026, 6:33 PM EDT

Lionel Messi has returned home to Argentina for what promises to be one of the most emotional nights of his extraordinary career.

The Argentina captain arrived in his hometown of Rosario on Friday, October 2, aboard a private jet after traveling from the United States. Messi was joined by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, their three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini.

Lionel Messi arrived in Argentina aboard his private jet accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro

The family homecoming comes just days before the 39-year-old football legend is scheduled to make his final appearance for Argentina, bringing his international career to an end in front of a home crowd.

Messi will play his final match for Argentina on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, against Benin in a friendly at River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Lionel Messi Returns to Rosario With Antonela and Their Sons

Messi's private plane landed in Rosario during the early hours of Friday, with the football star returning to familiar surroundings before heading to Buenos Aires for his farewell appearance.

Antonela, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro were all with Messi as he arrived. His mother, Celia, also traveled with the family.

The Argentina captain landed in Rosario on Friday, October 2, after travelling from the United States, as he prepares to say a final farewell in the famous Albiceleste shirt.

Messi had been in the United States with Inter Miami before making the trip to Argentina. According to El Gráfico, he trained with his club as recently as Thursday before traveling home.

His arrival marks the beginning of a significant few days for the Messi family and Argentine football.

For more than two decades, Messi's international career has been intertwined with his family's support. Having Antonela and their children alongside him for the final chapter adds another personal dimension to an occasion already expected to be packed with emotion.

When Is Lionel Messi's Final Argentina Match?

Messi's final Argentina game is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The match, which kicks off at 8:00 p.m. local time, will include a special tribute to Argentina's iconic number 10.

The match begins at 8 p.m. local time, according to the Argentine Football Association.

Messi has been called up specifically for the Benin match and is not expected to feature in Argentina's other October friendlies. Argentina defeated Bolivia 4-0 on September 30 and will play Burkina Faso at the Monumental on Saturday, October 3, before Messi joins the squad for his farewell.

Messi offered fans their first close look at the commemorative shirt in a social media video shared on September 21.

The Benin game is expected to draw a huge crowd, with Reuters reporting that around 85,000 spectators are anticipated at the Monumental.

Argentina Plans a Special Lionel Messi Farewell

The October 6 fixture has been designed as much more than 90 minutes of football.

The AFA has organized a wider celebration around Messi's farewell, including the "Gracias, Leo" Fan Fest at the University of Buenos Aires' Ciudad Universitaria. The event will run from noon until midnight and include music, entertainment and a live screening of Argentina vs. Benin.

Messi appeared emotional after the match

Members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad have also been invited to participate in the farewell celebrations, giving Messi an opportunity to close his international career alongside figures who shared one of its defining achievements.

The occasion closes a 21-year senior international career in which Messi became Argentina's record appearance-maker and record goalscorer. He has scored 125 goals for his country and helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

Infographic with a breakdown of goals scored by Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in the World Cup and Copa America since 2006 — Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in the World Cup and Copa America since 2006, and his total for the national team across all competitions

Messi's Argentina Career Comes Full Circle

Messi's relationship with the Argentina national team has included extraordinary highs and painful setbacks.

For years, international success proved elusive despite his achievements at club level. That changed dramatically during the later stages of his career.

Winning the 2021 Copa América ended Argentina's long wait for a major international trophy and delivered Messi his first senior international title. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar then provided the defining moment, with Messi captaining Argentina to the trophy.

Players of Argentina (Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Emiliano Martinez, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez) pose for a team photo prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 football match between Argentina and Cabo Verde. — Players of Argentina, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Emiliano Martinez, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez.

Another Copa América followed in 2024.

Now, rather than ending his international career away from home, Messi will have one final opportunity to walk onto an Argentine pitch wearing the famous No. 10 shirt.