Football fans in Benin have expressed pride and honour that their national team provided the opposition for Lionel Messi's final international appearance. Despite losing 3-0 to Argentina in Buenos Aires, the result was insignificant compared to the historic moment of witnessing one of the world's greatest players make his international farewell. The match was watched by over 80,000 spectators, and fans in Benin's capital, Cotonou, gathered in restaurants and bars to watch the game.
In Cotonou, screens sprung up in various neighbourhoods, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of Messi's final international game. A young worker said that people were looking for a screen to watch the game, even if they had to stand. Although a few fans chanted "Go Benin" during the national anthems, the focus was primarily on Messi, with fans aware that they were witnessing a historic moment in world football.
Beninese fans, including Sylvestre Dagbedji, a 34-year-old security guard, expressed their admiration for Messi, stating that it was an honour for Benin to be the last team Messi faced. Dagbedji added that they would always remember that it was against Benin that Messi retired from international football. Armand Folly, a 27-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, also praised Messi, saying that he was a great player and that Beninese fans were proud of him.
During the match, Benin's supporters cheered on their team's efforts to break through Argentina's defence but also applauded Messi every time he received the ball. Toussain Kpadonou, a craftsman, expressed sadness that Messi would no longer play, stating that he was an excellent player and that it was unclear who could replace him. The fans' focus was on Messi, with the defeat to Argentina being secondary.
Younger fans, including 17-year-old Destin Avere, were also thrilled to see Messi's final international appearance. Avere described Messi as a "god of football" and the best player in the world, praising his performance throughout his career. In the 71st minute of the game, Messi scored a penalty, which sparked celebrations among the Beninese fans, who were only thinking about Messi.
The pride and admiration for Messi were evident throughout Benin, with fans gathering in large numbers to watch the game. The historic moment of Messi's final international appearance was not lost on the Beninese fans, who felt honoured to have been a part of it. As Messi retired from international football, Benin's fans looked back on the experience with fond memories.
The match may have ended in a 3-0 defeat for Benin, but the fans left with a sense of pride and satisfaction, having witnessed a piece of football history. As Messi bid farewell to international football, Benin's fans joined the global football community in paying tribute to his remarkable career and achievements.
Key points
- Benin football fans felt honoured to be the opposition for Lionel Messi's final international appearance.
- Despite losing 3-0, the Beninese fans' focus was on Messi and the historic moment of his farewell.
- The match was watched by fans in Benin's capital, Cotonou, who gathered in restaurants and bars to witness the game.
