Messi's Farewell Match Sells Out 85,000 Tickets in Hours

Lionel Messi's farewell appearance for the Argentina national team is set for October 6 against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match has generated remarkable interest, with all 85,018 tickets selling out in less than two hours after sales opened.

Argentine outlet TNT Sports reported that the online ticketing platform was overwhelmed by demand, with some social media claims suggesting tickets sold out in four minutes, although the more reliable figure is under two hours. This match will mark Messi's 208th and final appearance for Argentina, following his announcement of international retirement in August.

The Argentina Football Association, led by president Claudio Tapia, organized this fixture to honor Messi's illustrious career on home soil, inviting members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend. Messi's international career has spanned over two decades, during which he became Argentina's record appearance holder and all-time leading scorer, securing major titles including the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.