Benin players asked to protect Messi in Argentina farewell

Benin’s players have been given an unusual request before facing Argentina: supporters in Buenos Aires urged them to ensure Lionel Messi was not hurt during what has been announced as his final appearance for the national team. The request underlined the extraordinary attention surrounding the match.

The Guépards, who had never previously played Argentina, received the appeal when they arrived in the capital. They responded that Messi is also an idol for them. Several Benin players are hoping to take photographs with him and obtain the Argentina captain’s number 10 shirt, although Messi will not be able to meet every such request.

The occasion has attracted the Benin squad as much as the Argentine public. Injured forward Steve Mounié paid for his own flight so he could join his teammates and attend the event, while the delegation spent about 24 hours travelling in economy class.

Benin’s presence has drawn attention because the teams had no previous meeting and no clear sporting reason was given for the late arrangement. The Guépards are ranked 89th in the FIFA standings, while around 70,000 tickets sold out in 90 minutes. For Benin, the match therefore carries significance beyond the result: the players must compete against Argentina while sharing in a celebration of Messi’s legacy.