Football fans in Benin have expressed pride and honour in being the opposition for Lionel Messi's final international appearance. The west African nation lost 3-0 to Argentina in a friendly match in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026. Despite the result, the occasion was a historic moment for football fans worldwide. Benin's fans watched the match in restaurants and bars in the capital Cotonou, eager to witness the farewell of one of the world's greatest players.
The match was a highly anticipated event in Benin, with fans gathering in neighbourhoods to watch the action from Argentina that kicked off at midnight local time. Many fans had only eyes for Messi, aware that they were witnessing a historic moment in world football. Some Beninese fans chanted "Go Benin" during the national anthems, but their enthusiasm was largely focused on Messi. The 39-year-old Messi has had a illustrious career, playing for Barcelona and Inter Miami.
Benin's fans, including security guard Sylvestre Dagbedji, expressed their admiration for Messi. Dagbedji said it was an honour that Benin was the last team Messi faced. He added that they would always remember that it was against Benin that he retired from international football. Motorcycle taxi driver Armand Folly, 27, also praised Messi, saying he was a great player and that Beninese fans were proud of him.
During the match, Benin's supporters cheered their team's efforts to break through the Argentinian rearguard but applauded Messi every time he received the ball. Craftsman Toussain Kpadonou, gathered with around a hundred people in front of a giant screen, said he was sad that Messi would no longer play. Kpadonou praised Messi's career, particularly his time at Barcelona, and wondered who could play like him again.
Younger fans in Benin were also delighted to see the TV coverage of Messi's final international appearance. Destin Avere, 17, described Messi as a "god of football" and the best player in the world. Avere praised Messi's performance throughout his career, from Barcelona to Inter Miami. The crowd in Benin erupted when Messi scored a penalty in the 71st minute, rounding out the score.
The defeat was largely forgotten in Benin, as fans focused on paying tribute to Messi's career. Armand Folly said that Beninese fans would miss Messi, a sentiment echoed by many fans. The occasion was a celebration of Messi's achievements, with Benin providing a fitting opposition for his final international appearance.
The friendly match between Argentina and Benin was attended by more than 80,000 spectators at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The event marked the end of Messi's more-than-two-decade international career. Benin's fans returned home with memories of witnessing a historic moment in world football, one that they would always treasure.
Key points
- Benin provided the opposition for Lionel Messi's final international appearance
- The match was a historic moment for football fans worldwide
- Benin's fans expressed pride and admiration for Messi's career
