Benin’s build-up to a defining night in Buenos Aires has been anything but smooth. The Cheetahs will face Argentina at the Monumental on Tuesday 6 October after a long-haul journey, disrupted preparations and a late-arriving squad, although the logistical and medical concerns had been resolved two days before kick-off.
The move
Benin travelled to Argentina for the friendly amid difficult conditions. The delegation spent 23 hours flying in economy class, while the training base in Buenos Aires initially lacked hot water and had an unusable sauna. Part of the team’s equipment had not arrived, the gym was considered unsuitable for a professional group and sessions were held on an artificial surface.
The trip also brought a health scare for video analyst Jonas Bidé, who suffered dizziness and briefly lost consciousness.
Three players were still absent 72 hours before the Argentina match:
- Junior Olaitan of Besiktas
- Charlemagne Azongnitodé of TPS
- Saïd Ngobi of VPS
Those issues were eventually cleared, with the missing players, medical situation and practical arrangements settled before the final two days of preparation.
A historic occasion at the Monumental
Benin will now step into a match carrying far greater significance for their hosts. Argentina have designated the fixture as Lionel Messi’s final international appearance.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion had announced the end of his Argentina career on 31 August, following the Albiceleste’s defeat in the 2026 World Cup final and the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier in August.
Argentina’s federation decided to stage a formal farewell against Benin, inviting every member of the country’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad to attend with their families. Federation president Claudio Tapia said the intention was for Messi to be accompanied for what he described as an unforgettable match.
Argentina’s opponents arrive under strain
Benin are not the only side to have encountered trouble before facing Argentina. Burkina Faso were beaten 7-0 by the Albiceleste’s Under-23 side after arriving only five hours before kick-off.
The Burkinabè squad had been held up in Morocco because no carrier was available, and the fatigue from that delay compounded the gulf in level against Argentina’s young team.
For Benin, the priority is now simpler: turn a disorderly arrival into a competitive performance on a night when the Monumental will belong to Messi.
