The Estadio Monumental will provide the stage for Lionel Messi's final match with Argentina. On October 6 against Benin, Leo will bring the curtain down on a story spanning more than two decades with La Albiceleste at one of the most important stadiums of his international career.
The Monumental, Messi's Home With Argentina, Prepares For His Last Dance
River Plate's stadium will host Lionel Messi's farewell with Argentina against Benin. It's a special place for the captain: no stadium in Argentina has seen him score more goals for La Albiceleste, with 19.
And if there is one stadium that can be considered Messi's home with Argentina, it's the Monumental.
Messi's Unbeaten History At The Monumental
The numbers underline the special relationship between the Argentina captain and River Plate's stadium:
- 22 wins and 6 draws: Messi has never lost with Argentina at the Monumental.
- 19 goals: Messi has scored more goals for Argentina at the Monumental than at any other stadium in the country.
- His first goal there came against Uruguay in 2008 during World Cup qualifying.
- The Monumental has also witnessed some of his most memorable performances: a hat trick against Bolivia in 2021, three more goals against Bolivia in 2024 and a brace against Venezuela in 2025.
- In total, Messi has played 28 matches for Argentina at the Monumental, remaining unbeaten while scoring 19 goals.
- In 2023, River gave Messi and his family a box at the Monumental for life, located in the San Martín stand next to the Sívori section and decorated with images of the captain and the World Cup.
The Monumental Is A Fitting Stage For Messi's Farewell
The stadium currently has a capacity of 85,018 spectators, making it the largest stadium in South America.
River also finished 2025 as the club with the highest average attendance in world football for the third consecutive year, averaging 85,018 spectators per match.
The Monumental continues to evolve. Its expansion project will increase capacity to 101,000 spectators, with a new seating tier and a roof covering the stadium.
A Special Stage For The Final Chapter
The Monumental has witnessed some of Messi's most important moments with Argentina, and now it will provide the stage for his farewell.
19 goals, 28 matches and a story spanning more than 20 years between Messi and the Monumental.
From his first Argentina appearance there in 2005 to his farewell in 2026, River Plate's stadium has occupied a special place in his history with La Albiceleste.
On October 6, that relationship will reach its final chapter.
Scaloni Also Highlights The Importance Of The Monumental
The relationship between Argentina and the Monumental can also be understood from Lionel Scaloni's perspective.
Recently asked about the possibility of taking more Argentina matches around the country, the head coach explained that they would try to do so because fans everywhere deserve to see the national team, before pointing to one of the Monumental's biggest advantages: the enormous number of supporters it can accommodate.
His comments underline the Monumental's ability to bring together tens of thousands of Argentina fans, something that takes on even greater significance ahead of Messi's farewell.
