Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Benin Defender Says He Will Enjoy Messi’s Argentina Farewell
Argentina is set to play Benin in a friendly in Buenos Aires.
The game is expected to be a farewell for Lionel Messi with Argentina.
Benin defender Mohamed Tijani said his team would not make a special plan to stop Messi.
He said they would enjoy the match instead.
Tijani also said he thinks Messi is the best player in the world.
A report mentioned in the article says Messi had doubts about the tribute match, but agreed to play.
The article says Messi has played 207 times for Argentina and scored 125 goals.
It also says he helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup.
Argentina is scheduled to face Benin in a friendly at Buenos Aires’s Estadio Monumental on Tuesday.
Benin defender Mohamed Tijani said his team would not use a special plan to mark Lionel Messi.
Tijani called Messi the best in the world and said he would tell him, “you are the god.”
A report cited in the article claims Messi had reservations about the tribute match, which he ultimately accepted.
The article says Messi leaves Argentina with 207 caps, 125 goals and 65 assists, and highlights his role in the 2022 World Cup win.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina and Benin; Mohamed Tijani is quoted discussing the match.
- What
- Argentina is scheduled to play Benin in a friendly described as Messi’s international farewell.
- When
- Tuesday; the article also says Messi reported to camp on Sunday.
- Where
- Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- The match is presented as a farewell for Messi, who is expected to play for Argentina for the final time.
Reported reservations
Farewell match accepted
Messi’s view of the tribute match
Reported reservations
A report from Gazzetta dello Sport said Messi was not keen on the idea and viewed it as a money-making venture by the Argentine Football Association.
Farewell match accepted
The same report said Messi ultimately accepted the match; the article presents it as a farewell in front of Argentina fans.
- Match
- Argentina vs. Benin friendly
- Venue
- Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Attendance expected
- 85,000
- Benin player quoted
- Centre-back Mohamed Tijani
- Messi’s Argentina appearances
- 207 caps
- Messi’s Argentina goals and assists
- 125 goals and 65 assists
- Tournament achievement mentioned
- Argentina won the 2022 World Cup against France