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Why is Gonzalo Montiel Not Playing for Lionel Messi's Final Argentina Match Against Benin?
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- Why is Gonzalo Montiel Not Playing for Lionel Messi's Final Argentina Match Against Benin?
Lionel Messi's final Argentina match against Benin takes place tonight at the Estadio Monumental, with the captain leading a starting XI that includes several of his teammates from the 2022 World Cup winning squad.
Argentina are being represented by Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, while Messi starts in what will be his final appearance for the national team.
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However, one familiar name missing from Argentina's 2022 World Cup winning squad is Gonzalo Montiel.
Why Is Gonzalo Montiel Not Playing Against Benin?
Montiel was not called up by Lionel Scaloni for this international break, and was not included in Argentina's squad for the matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin. The right-back was one of several players from the 2026 World Cup squad left out.
Unlike Nahuel Molina, who is suspended, Montiel does not have a FIFA suspension and his absence is wholly a selection decision by Scaloni although he can still attend Messi's farewell as an invited guest.
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Lionel Messi with Gonzalo Montiel.VINCENT CARCHIETTA
Montiel was part of Argentina's squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and famously scored the decisive penalty in the shootout against France in the final.
However, Scaloni has opted for Agustín Giay for tonight's fixture and it appears that Montiel might not be a part of his future plans.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
