Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou has issued a bold warning to Lionel Messi ahead of their friendly match on October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Dandjinou, 28, stated that Messi will have to work hard to score against his team, even if it's a penalty. The match marks Messi's farewell appearance for Argentina, and Dandjinou emphasized that Benin will not gift him a goal.
In an interview with Marca, Dandjinou expressed his determination to make saves, regardless of the opponent or the situation. He stressed that his role as a goalkeeper is to prevent goals, and he will not make exceptions for Messi. Dandjinou's confidence is understandable, given that Benin will be competing against Argentina, a team that has won several titles, including the 2022 World Cup.
Messi, Argentina's record appearance-maker and top scorer, will make his final appearance for the Albiceleste against Benin. He has 207 international caps and 125 goals, having helped the country win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup. Despite his impressive achievements, Dandjinou believes that Messi will have to earn his goals, and Benin will not make it easy for him.
The friendly match against Benin is Messi's official farewell to the Argentina national team, announced in August. Argentina has already played two friendlies during the current international window, beating Bolivia 4-0 and Burkina Faso 7-0, but Messi was absent from both matches. His return for the Benin match is highly anticipated, and Dandjinou is ready to face the challenge.
Dandjinou also emphasized that Benin is traveling to Argentina to compete and represent their country, rather than simply participate in Messi's farewell celebration. The Benin goalkeeper is expected to start for his team at the Estadio Monumental, where he will face a tough opponent in Messi. Despite the celebratory nature of the occasion, Dandjinou is focused on his team's performance.
The match against Benin will be an emotional one for Messi, who has had an illustrious career with Argentina. Dandjinou, however, is not intimidated by Messi's reputation and is confident in his team's abilities. He believes that Benin can give a good account of themselves against Argentina, and the match will be an exciting one.
The friendly match between Argentina and Benin will take place on October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match will mark the end of an era for Messi, who has been an integral part of the Argentina national team for many years. For Dandjinou and Benin, the match is an opportunity to test their skills against one of the world's top teams.
Key points
- Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou warns Lionel Messi that he will have to earn every goal in their friendly match on October 6, 2026.
- The match marks Messi's farewell appearance for Argentina, and Dandjinou is determined to make saves against the Argentine superstar.
- Dandjinou emphasizes that Benin will not gift Messi a goal, even if it's a penalty, and is confident in his team's abilities.
