‘Everyone wants Messi’s shirt’ – Benin goalkeeper Dandjinou ahead of Argentina clash

Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou has revealed that virtually every member of the national team is hoping to secure Lionel Messi’s shirt after their highly anticipated friendly against Argentina.

Benin will face Argentina at the Monumental Stadium in a special encounter that is expected to mark a memorable occasion for Messi and his country.

While Dandjinou insists Benin will approach the game competitively, he admitted that the opportunity to share the pitch with one of football’s greatest-ever players has created excitement within the squad.

The goalkeeper said Messi’s shirt is already one of the most coveted souvenirs among the Benin players, with the entire squad eager to take home a memento from the occasion.

“Everyone wants his shirt. It would be nice if they made a lot of shirts and gave one to each of us. If only one person could go and get his shirt, it would be difficult. We all want it!” Dandjinou said.

The Benin goalkeeper’s comments underline the significance of the fixture for a squad that grew up watching Messi’s career and now has the rare opportunity to face him on the same pitch.

Dandjinou has described Messi as one of the kings of football and admitted that playing against the Argentine captain is something he never imagined would happen during his career.

However, once the match begins, the Benin goalkeeper insists his focus will shift from admiration to his responsibility between the posts.

Dandjinou has already made it clear that Benin will not be in Argentina simply to celebrate Messi’s farewell. The West African side intends to compete and represent their country with pride.

For the Benin players, though, the final whistle could bring another challenge: deciding who gets the chance to walk away with Messi’s famous shirt.