Benin: Tijani Mohamed refuses to defend against Lionel Messi

06.10.26 19:00 Friendly International

Argentina

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Benin

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We are just a few hours away from Lionel Messi’s final match with Argentina. Tijani Mohamed knows what to do when facing the legend.

Against Argentina at Buenos Aires’ Monumental tonight, the Benin coach will be able to count on players who want to enjoy this historic moment against one of the greatest figures in the history of football, Lionel Messi. Questioned by C5N, centre-back Tijani Mohamed made a rather surprising statement.

“You don’t mark Messi. We’re just going to enjoy this match. I’m going to look at it like this: \"Messi, you are God\",” the Benin player said. Tijani also explained that he considered the Argentine “the best in the world” and that he wanted Argentina to win, as he particularly admires the number 10.

“We will give everything to ensure that this celebration goes perfectly,” Tijani Mohamed added, while the national team doctor summed up the general mood with a simple phrase: “he is the best in the world!”

Also read: Golden Boy 2026: the list of the 25 nominees (Official)

The match will inevitably have a special significance for Lionel Messi. The Argentine is preparing to say goodbye in front of more than 85,000 supporters after 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, as well as several major titles won with La Albiceleste, including the 2022 World Cup.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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