Lionel Messi is expected to start Argentina’s friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, 6 October, in what will be his farewell to the Albiceleste.
Lionel Scaloni is likely to select several of Argentina’s established players for the occasion, while Gernot Rohr’s Benin side will face the challenge of taking on the 2022 world champions.
Argentina are projected to use a 4-4-2 formation, with Emiliano Martinez in goal and Messi partnered by Julian Alvarez in attack. Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez are among those expected to provide balance in midfield.
Argentina’s probable line-up is: Emiliano Martinez; Agustin Giay, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Nico Paz; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Benin are also expected to play with a 4-3-3 system. Marcel Dandjinou is the projected goalkeeper, with Yohan Roche and Mohamed Tijani likely to feature in defence.
Hassane Imourane, Sessi D’Almeida and Dodo Dokou could form the midfield, while Aiyegun Tosin, Rodolfo Aloko and Junior Olaitan are expected to lead the Guepards’ attack.
Benin’s probable line-up is therefore: Marcel Dandjinou; Yohan Roche, Mohamed Tijani and the rest of the defensive line; Hassane Imourane, Sessi D’Almeida, Dodo Dokou; Aiyegun Tosin, Rodolfo Aloko, Junior Olaitan.