Argentina
Benin
Argentina vs Benin Predictions, Picks & Odds – 07/10/2026
Argentina vs Benin Preview
Argentina are in devastating form, having won their last five matches without dropping a single point. Lionel Scaloni's side dismantled Burkina Faso 7-0 and followed that with a clinical 4-0 victory over Bolivia. This fixture carries enormous emotional weight: it will be Lionel Messi's farewell appearance for the national team, with the Estadio Monumental set for a night of celebration. The world champions will debut a special commemorative kit for the occasion.
Benin arrive in Buenos Aires for what is a historic occasion of their own, their first ever match against a team from outside Africa. Gernot Rohr's side showed resilience in recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, collecting four points from games against Burkina Faso and Mauritania, including a 2-1 win in their last outing. Their preparations have been far from ideal, though, with a gruelling 23-hour economy flight and reported issues with hotel facilities and training pitches.
Argentina's home win at 1.03 reflects the enormous gulf in quality between these two sides. Scaloni's squad hammered Burkina Faso 7-0 and Bolivia 4-0 in their most recent outings, showcasing ruthless attacking depth. Benin, meanwhile, have endured a gruelling 23-hour economy flight and substandard training facilities. Those logistical nightmares will take a physical toll on a squad already massively outgunned in terms of individual talent.
The over 2.5 goals line at N/A looks well supported given Argentina's recent scoring record of 11 goals across two friendlies. Messi's farewell at the Estadio Monumental guarantees an emotionally charged atmosphere, and his teammates will be desperate to produce a fitting send-off. Benin's defenders face a near-impossible task containing a world champion squad operating at full intensity on home soil.
Backing both teams to score "No" at 16.00 carries strong logic here. Benin have never faced a South American opponent before, and the combination of fatigue, unfamiliar surroundings, and Argentina's defensive solidity makes a clean sheet highly probable for the hosts. Steve Mounié and his teammates may admire Messi, but containing Argentina will consume all their energy, leaving precious little for attacking ventures. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Argentina vs Benin
- Argentina five consecutive wins, perfect form
- Eleven goals scored in two friendlies
- Benin hampered by travel and logistics
Form & Statistics: Argentina vs Benin
Argentina
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Benin
Recent form
Season statistics (4)
Lineups: Argentina vs Benin
Argentina
Starters
- 1 Emiliano Martinez
- 2 Agustin Giay
- 3 Cristian Romero
- 4 Lisandro Martinez
- 5 Nicolas Tagliafico
- 6 Rodrigo De Paul
- 7 Enzo Fernandez
- 8 Alexis Mac Allister
- 9 Lionel Messi
- 10 Lautaro Martinez
- 11 Julian Alvarez
Bench
- Juan Musso
- Leonardo Balerdi
- Juan Foyth
- Valentin Barco
- Exequiel Palacios
- Nico Paz
- Matias Soule
- Gianluca Prestianni
- Santiago Castro
Absent
- Nahuel Molina (Suspension; not called up for this international window.)
- Paulo Dybala (Not included in the squad; has not featured for the national team since 2024.)
Benin
Starters
- 1 Saturnin Allagbé
- 2 Amiro Amadou
- 3 Yohan Roche
- 4 Mohamed Tijani
- 5 Liam Omore
- 6 Sessi D'Almeida
- 7 Mattéo Ahlinvi
- 8 Imourane Hassan
- 9 Jodel Dossou
- 10 Steve Mounié
- 11 Rodolfo Aloko
Bench
- Serge Obassa
- Iréné Glele
- Tamirou Ouorou
- Samadou Attidjikou
- Said Ngobi
- Joseph Oloko
- Aiyegun Tosin
Absent
- Olivier Verdon (Suspension.)
- Dokou Dodo (Retained by his club.)
- Abdoul Rachid Moumini (Administrative constraints prevented travel.)
- Junior Olaitan (Absent; club refused release due to injury.)
- Charlemagne Azongnitodé (Absent.)
Low confidence
A mirror 4-3-3 vs 4-3-3 sets up an intriguing tactical duel, though Argentina's lineup carries significantly more confidence behind it than Benin's, which is drawn from a single speculative source. Lionel Messi anchors the Albiceleste attack alongside Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez, giving Scaloni a formidable front three.
For Benin, the formation and personnel remain tentative, so tactical conclusions on their side should be treated cautiously. Steve Mounié leads their forward line in what would be a historic and demanding test for the Écureuils against the reigning world champions on a Buenos Aires night.
How to Watch Argentina vs Benin Match?
What time is Argentina vs Benin?
Argentina vs Benin kicks off at the Estadio Monumental on October 7, 2026.
Where is Argentina vs Benin being played?
This friendly takes place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
How Can I Watch Argentina vs Benin on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for live broadcast and streaming options for Argentina vs Benin.
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