Football fans in Benin embraced a historic night as their national team faced Argentina in what was described as Lionel Messi’s final international appearance. Benin lost 3-0 in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, but the result took a back seat as supporters in the West African country gathered to watch Messi’s farewell. Restaurants and bars across Cotonou set up screens for fans determined not to miss the occasion.

The match began around midnight local time, drawing large crowds despite the late hour. Some supporters searched for available screens shortly before kick-off, while others gathered in large groups to watch the match together. Although chants supporting Benin could be heard during the national anthems, much of the attention remained focused on Messi and the significance of his reported final appearance for Argentina.

For many Beninese supporters, being the opposition in Messi’s international farewell was a source of pride. Sylvestre Dagbedji, a security guard and self-described Messi fan, described it as an honour for Benin to be the final team faced by the Argentine star. Other fans also spoke about the significance of witnessing the end of an international career that has spanned more than two decades.

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Supporters continued to back Benin’s Cheetahs during the match but also applauded Messi whenever he received possession. Fans who had followed his career at Barcelona and Inter Miami expressed sadness at the prospect of no longer seeing him play for Argentina. Younger supporters, meanwhile, viewed the occasion as a rare opportunity to witness a major moment involving one of football’s most celebrated players.

Messi made his mark on the match by contributing two assists before scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute. His goal prompted celebrations among the crowd watching in Benin, even though their national team was on the losing side. For many supporters, the moment reinforced the feeling that the occasion was about witnessing Messi’s farewell rather than the final score.

By the end of the night, Benin’s defeat had largely faded from the thoughts of those gathered around the screens. Fans spoke instead about the memories Messi had created throughout his career and the prospect of his absence from international football. For supporters in Cotonou and elsewhere in Benin, the match offered a memorable connection to a defining moment in the career of one of football’s most recognisable figures.

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