Benin Republic defender Mohamed Tijani has expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi ahead of his country’s international friendly against Argentina, revealing what he plans to tell the football icon when they meet on the pitch.
Argentina will host Benin at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires in what is expected to be Messi’s final appearance for the reigning world champions after announcing his retirement from international football.
Despite preparing to face one of the greatest players in football history, Tijani admitted that he is more focused on enjoying the occasion than attempting to stop the Argentine captain.
Speaking to Argentine media outlet Minuto Uno via C5N, the defender said Messi’s influence on the game transcends ordinary football rivalry.
“There is no need to specifically mark Messi. We just need to enjoy the game,” Tijani said.
The Benin international also revealed the message he hopes to share with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner during the match.
“I will look at him and say, ‘Messi, you are God.’ He is the best player in the world.”
Messi is expected to bring the curtain down on an extraordinary international career that has seen him lead Argentina to multiple major titles, including the FIFA World Cup and Copa América.
The friendly against Benin has attracted significant attention as football fans around the world prepare to witness what could be the final international appearance of one of the sport’s most celebrated players.
For Tijani and his Benin teammates, the match presents a rare opportunity to share the field with a player widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
While Argentina will be favourites heading into the encounter, much of the spotlight is expected to focus on Messi as he bids farewell to international football.
