Benin Warns Argentina Plays Dirty Ahead of Messi Farewell Match

Leo Messi will play his final match for the Argentina national team against Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The fixture serves as a farewell celebration for the Albiceleste captain. Benin enters the encounter treating the match as a major showcase for its players, though the squad has also raised concerns about Argentina on-field tactics.

Benin Views Messi Farewell As Global Showcase

Benin approaches the fixture primarily as a celebratory event and an opportunity for its players to gain international exposure. We came to the match as a celebration, and with the ambition of being seen by the world, said Benin striker Steve Mounié in an interview with the Argentine newspaper Olé. But we’re not just going there to play a friendly; we want to show we can play football, because it’s a big stage. Everyone’s going to be watching this match.

Mounié, who serves as Benin’s all-time leading goalscorer and captain, will miss the match due to an injury but plans to be present at the Monumental. He said the fixture was important for his national teammates and that strong performances could lead to more high-profile matches. The 32-year-old forward currently plays for German club Augsburg.

Mounié Warns Teammates About Argentina Tactics

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Benin players arrive with caution regarding the competitive style of their opponents. Mounié drew on past encounters, including a match against Brest when Messi played for Paris Saint-Germain and a heated clash with Leonardo Balerdi during a game against Marseille.

I got a red card because of him. He’s got his tricks, he’s very malicious. The whole Argentinian team is like that. It’s a specialty of South American teams, they like to get inside your head and play dirty.

Steve Mounié

Mounié stated that he plans to warn his teammates to maintain their composure on the pitch. I’ll tell you to stay calm, because Argentinian players can really get under your skin. He said Olé. They need to be smart because we want to finish with 11 players.

Monumental Stadium Prepares For Albiceleste Farewell

Reported that Messi’s final appearance with the Albiceleste is scheduled for the early hours of Wednesday, timed for 01:00 with broadcast coverage on Movistar+. The three-time world champions will host the African side in Buenos Aires aiming to send off their captain with a victory.

Both sources highlighted that Benin’s pre-match comments set a competitive tone before the opening whistle at the Monumental. The match brings together a reigning world champion seeking a celebratory send-off for its historic captain and an opponent determined to prove its quality on the international stage.

More on this story: Messi prepares for final Argentina match against Benin, Rediff.com reported