Fans carrying flags and playing drums made their way towards the stadium's controlled entrances as excitement built before Argentina's match against Benin.

Among those arriving was the Scaloneta's "Fitito", a sky blue and white Fiat 600 signed by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni. The car has accompanied the national team since 2022.

"The car belongs to a friend of mine who could not come because he did not take holidays for four years and happened to take them last week. He told me, 'Please, take the Fitito; it is the Scaloneta's Fitito'," supporter Lader said.

Some fans travelled to the Monumental despite failing to secure tickets for the match.

"Today I am here with a huge hope of being able to see the best of all time. I tried to get a ticket, but I could not; they sold out in a flash and rent is extortionate. But, well, if there is something Messi taught us it is that you have to fight for your dreams, you have to persist, you have to be there. And, well, dreams come true. And if not, well, I will leave with the feeling of at least having tried," supporter Lucas said.

Another supporter, Marta, said Messi deserved the farewell after his years with the national team.

"As an Argentine, he deserves to be feted today in his last match for the Argentina national team. He gave us a lot of joy because he is a very simple person, because he is just another Argentine and he taught us many things," she said.

More than 85,000 spectators are expected at the Monumental for the 20:00 kick-off against Benin.

The pre-match programme includes live music , tributes, drones and fireworks as Argentina marks the end of Messi's 21-year international career.

The Benin match is the last of three friendlies in the current window following games against Bolivia and Burkina Faso.

Messi, 39, announced his retirement from international football on August 31 after Argentina finished runners-up at the 2026 World Cup. He will continue playing for Inter Miami.