‘We wouldn’t mark Messi’: Heartwarming message from Benin defender before farewell to Argentina icon

Argentina’s Lionel Messi is training for his last match with the national team. (AP photo) Benin defender Mohamed Tijani has offered a warm perspective ahead of Lionel Messi’s final international appearance for Argentina, saying his side will not mark the legendary striker but will instead relish the opportunity to share the pitch with one of football’s greatest icons.Argentina will face Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, with the match marking Messi’s farewell in the famous blue and white shirt. The occasion was seen as an emotional celebration of the 39-year-old’s extraordinary international career, with thousands of fans expected to turn out to bid farewell to their captain.Speaking to Argentine outlet C5N ahead of the match, Tijani made it clear that stopping Messi will not be Benin’s only priority.“We would not mark Messi. We will just enjoy this match. I will watch him and say: Messi, you are a legend,” Tijani said, as quoted by Goal.com.The Benin defender’s admiration for Messi goes even further. According to Goal.com, Tijani said he hopes Argentina will win the farewell match despite his own side being the opposition.“We will do everything in our power to make sure this celebration is perfect,” said Tijani, speaking about Messi’s final international appearance.

Messi’s final tribute for Argentina

Messi announced his decision to retire from international football on 1 September following Argentina’s 0–1 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. He had previously retired from international duty in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile, but reversed that decision and subsequently enjoyed the most successful period of his international career.Messi led Argentina to the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles before finally fulfilling his long-held dream of winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Argentina beat France on penalties in the final after a thrilling 3-3 draw.His farewell comes after a record-breaking international career. Messi is Argentina’s all-time top scorer and best player, having played 207 games and scored 125 goals for his country. He scored 21 goals in six matches at the World Cup.

Farewell in memory

Messi’s final international appearance is expected to be an emotional affair at the Monumental, where more than 85,000 supporters are set to witness the Argentine great take the pitch for his country for the last time.The Argentine Football Association described the event as one that would “transcend sport” and be full of emotion. Messi himself reflected on the significance of the moment after joining the Argentina team for the last time.“Special moments that I know I will miss,” Messi wrote on social media.While his international career is coming to an end, Messi will continue to play club soccer for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.