On the eve of Lionel Messi’s final Argentina appearance, even Benin’s camp appeared caught by the pull of the occasion. Defender Mohamed Tijani made no secret of his admiration before the meeting, describing the Argentina captain as football’s greatest figure and admitting he hopes to leave with Messi’s shirt.
Key takeaways
- Argentina face Benin in Messi’s last match for the national team, scheduled for 1am on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Benin defender Mohamed Tijani, 29, said there was no specific tactical scheme to contain Messi.
- Tijani called Messi the best player in the world and compared him to a footballing deity.
- Benin’s team doctor echoed Tijani’s praise for the Argentina number 10.
- The defender publicly vowed to secure Messi’s jersey after the final whistle.
Benin defender embraces the moment
Tijani was approached by Argentine media while the Benin squad were out walking before the match. Rather than discuss a plan to stop Messi, he said his side should savour the rare chance to share the pitch with him.
“He is the best in the world,” Tijani said. “We do not need to talk about marking him. We should enjoy this match. There is no plan — he is the god of football.”
Benin’s doctor, alongside the defender, backed that verdict, again describing Messi as the world’s finest player and a godlike presence in the sport.
A shirt request before a historic Argentina farewell
Tijani had already made his intentions clear on Monday. Speaking ahead of the game, he promised he would obtain Messi’s shirt, saying he swore it to his mother. He also sent a direct message to the Argentine star, declaring his affection and asking him to hand over the jersey.
The fixture carries the weight of a farewell for Argentina, with Messi set for his final outing in the Albiceleste shirt. For Benin, the occasion has brought an unusual blend of competitive duty and open admiration for the opponent waiting across the tunnel.
