With Lionel Messi preparing to play his final match for Argentina, Benin defender Tijani Mohamed has admitted that he would rather enjoy the occasion than focus solely on stopping the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The two teams will meet at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, where more than 85,000 fans will gather for Messi’s farewell.
Speaking to C5N, Mohamed offered a remarkable insight into his approach to the game. “You don’t mark Messi. We’re just going to enjoy the match. I’m going to look at him and think: ‘Messi, you are God,’” the Benin defender said. He also described the Argentine captain as the best player in the world and admitted that he would even like to see Argentina win.
Messi will bring his 21-year international career to a close after 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina, along with major trophies including the 2022 World Cup. Benin endured a difficult build-up, including a 23-hour journey and accommodation issues, but Mohamed insists the team wants to embrace the occasion. “We’re going to give it our all to ensure this celebration goes perfectly,” he added.
