Benin’s captain presented Lionel Messi with a replica of the iconic Agojie statue in Cotonou following their meeting with Argentina, offering the football superstar a memorable piece of Beninese culture.
The gift pays tribute to the Agojie, the legendary all-female warriors of the historic Dahomey Kingdom, renowned for their military strength, discipline and courage.
The statue has become a prominent symbol of Benin’s history and cultural heritage, making the gesture to Messi more than just a sporting souvenir.
It was also a unique opportunity for Benin to showcase a piece of its rich history to one of the most recognised sporting figures in the world.
It was a beautiful meeting of football and West African culture.
