Benin defender Mohamed Tijani has revealed what he intends to tell Lionel Messi when the Argentine captain faces the West African side in his final international appearance for Argentina.
Argentina will take on Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, with the fixture expected to mark the end of Messi’s international career.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Tijani described Messi as the best player in the world and said he would tell the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner that he is a “god” of football.
The defender also dismissed the idea of using a special defensive plan to contain Messi, saying Benin’s players would rather enjoy the opportunity to share the pitch with one of football’s greatest stars.
According to Argentine media outlet MinutoUno, Tijani, who was interviewed by C5N, said, “There is no need to specifically mark Messi. We just need to enjoy the game.
“I will look at him and say, ‘Messi, you are God.’ He is the best player in the world.”
Tijani said he would be delighted if Messi gave him his shirt after the match, adding another personal touch to what is expected to be a memorable occasion.
The 29-year-old defender’s comments highlight the admiration surrounding Messi as he prepares to make his final appearance for Argentina after more than two decades with the national team.
