From neighbourhood to neighbourhood, screens had sprung up in restaurants and bars in the Beninese capital Cotonou so as not to miss a moment of the historic occasion. Benin lost 3-0 in Buenos Aires in front of more than 80,000 spectators on Tuesday — but the result was almost meaningless on a night on which one of the world’s greatest ever players made his international farewell.
Football fans in Benin declared that it was “an honour” that the west African nation provided the opposition for Lionel Messi’s final international appearance — and most only had eyes for the Argentinian superstar.
In the 71st minute of the game, having already provided two assists, Messi stepped up to take the penalty to round out the score — and the crowd in Benin erupted when the ball hit the back of the net. Because messi won’t play anymore, “I’m sad.
“We’re looking for a screen, even if we have to stand,” said one young worker, hurrying like many others to find a spot in time to watch the action from Argentina that kicked off at midnight local time in Benin. He was excellent at Barca, I don’t know who will be able to play like him again,” said Toussain Kpadonou, a craftsman, who was gathered with around a hundred people in front of a giant screen.
Messi is a great player. I’m so proud of him for his career. During the match, supporters cheered the Cheetahs’ efforts to break through the Argentinian rearguard, but applauded the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and former Barcelona forward every time he received the ball. “Messi is a god of football, the best player in the world.
Sitting nearby, Armand Folly, 27, a motorcycle taxi driver, said: “It’s going to be tough for us Beninese. He performed so well throughout his entire career, from Barca to Inter Miami,” said Destin Avere, 17.
“It’s an honour that Benin is the last team Messi faces,” said Sylvestre Dagbedji, 34, a security guard and self-declared Messi fan.
