Benin Defender Admits No Plan to Mark Messi in Argentina Swan Song

Argentina is set to host Benin in Buenos Aires for what has been described as a "bizarre swansong" for Lionel Messi, the 2022 World Cup winner. The match is scheduled for midnight UK time.

Benin's center-back Tijani Mohamed told Argentinian television channel C5N, which tracked down members of the squad in the capital, that there is no specific strategy to mark Messi. "You don't mark Messi. We are just going to enjoy this match," Mohamed said. He added, "I'm going to look at him like this: 'Messi, you are God'. Yes, yes I've watched the matches and that's it, a match with Messi and for me he's the best in the world."

Messi has accumulated 207 appearances for Argentina, scoring 125 goals and securing victories in the World Cup and two Copa Americas. The 39-year-old forward announced his intention to retire from international football in August, a decision he stated was difficult but timely.

More than 85,000 spectators are expected to attend Messi's farewell at the Estadio Mas Monumental, where members of the 2022 World Cup-winning team will be honored. However, the lead-up to the match has been met with controversy. Messi's previous match against Burkina Faso was played against the nation's under-23 team after their first-team charter flight was canceled and players declined to travel due to financial compensation issues and fatigue. Argentina won that match 7-0.

Benin's arrival for the friendly was also reportedly challenging. Their flight from Morocco lasted 23 hours, during which their video analyst reportedly blacked out. Upon arrival at their hotel, the team encountered issues with a lack of hot water, and the available artificial turf and gym facilities were deemed substandard for professional athletes.