Benin Set for Historic Farewell Clash With Messi's Argentina
Twenty-one years after Lionel Messi helped Argentina beat Nigeria in the Under-20 World Cup final, another African side will take the pitch for the final match of his international career. Benin face Argentina at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium on Tuesday in a farewell match for the 39-year-old superstar.
Twenty-one years after Lionel Messi helped Argentina beat Nigeria in the Under-20 World Cup final, another African side will take the pitch for the final match of his international career. Benin face Argentina at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium on Tuesday in a farewell match for the 39-year-old superstar.
For Benin assistant coach Tunde Adelakun, the occasion carries neat symmetry. "Africa has been at the heart of Messi's remarkable career," he told BBC Sport Africa. "I was physically there when they beat Nigeria in the final, where he was the most valuable player in that tournament. It's an absolute pleasure that, when he is drawing the curtain on his international career, Benin will be part of that."
Twenty-one years after Lionel Messi helped Argentina beat Nigeria in the Under-20 World Cup final, another African side will take the pitch for the final match of his international career. Benin face Argentina at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium on Tuesday in a farewell match for the 39-year-old superstar.
Messi announced his international retirement on August 31 following Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, finishing with 125 goals in 207 caps. The Argentine Football Association organized the farewell, inviting members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad to the celebrations.
For Benin, ranked 93rd in the world and yet to qualify for a World Cup, the invitation came as a welcome surprise amid crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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