Benin national team goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou revealed whether he would allow Lionel Messi, the Argentina international, to score against him during his farewell match in the Albiceleste jersey.
Argentina and Benin will meet in a friendly match early Wednesday morning at the Monumental Stadium, in what will be Argentine legend Messi's final international appearance.
The Benin goalkeeper told Spanish newspaper "Marca": "Participating in Messi's last international match? This is not just an ordinary game. It is an event that happens only once in a career. It is a special match."
He added, "But importantly, although we are here for Argentina and Messi, we must not forget that we also represent our country. We are here to defend Benin's colors."
He continued, "It is football: 11 players against 11. Perhaps we win, or draw, or they win; this is football. We are not here to tour Argentina, but to play and compete. It will be a wonderful day in our lives."
He went on, "For me, Messi is one of the kings of football. We grew up watching him play, and he is one of our favorite players. The opportunity to play against him now, on the same pitch, is amazing. I never imagined this would happen, but it will take place on Tuesday. For me, Leo is a legend; a true legend."
In response to whether he would allow Messi to score against him, he said: "No, no. I am a goalkeeper, and my job is to save shots. Even if it were the last minute and there was a penalty kick, and if Messi took it, I would try to stop it."
He concluded, "It is very simple: it is football. Yes, we are here to celebrate Messi, but no one has asked us to gift him a goal. And knowing Messi tells you that you don't need to give him anything anyway; if he wants to score, he will do his utmost to achieve it."
Messi announced his retirement from international football days ago, following an unforgettable career with the Albiceleste.
Messi unveiled the jersey he will wear in his farewell match with Argentina, in collaboration with German company Adidas.
He commented on his personal Instagram account saying: "The last match... a jersey for life."
The Argentine Football Association wishes to honor Messi before the Argentine fans after his long career wearing the Albiceleste shirt.
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, stated in press remarks: "We invited Messi to attend a farewell ceremony worthy of him on October 7 here in Argentina."
He added, "We also invite all the players who won the World Cup title in Qatar to join him and their families in an unforgettable match for all national team supporters."
Messi decided to retire from international football after losing the 2026 World Cup final, but revealed the decision days earlier due to the circumstances of his father's death weeks ago.
Leo's international career with Argentina began in 2005 and lasted for more than 20 years.
During his international career, Messi played 207 matches for Argentina, scoring 125 goals.
The Flea led the Argentine national team to win the World Cup in 2022, and finished second twice in 2014 and 2026.
He also won the Copa América tournament with Argentina twice, in 2021 and 2024.
