Benin defender Mohamed Tijani says he will tell Lionel Messi he is ‘a god’

Benin defender Mohamed Tijani says he intends to enjoy Lionel Messi’s international farewell match rather than focus on marking the Argentina captain.

The Benin players will be guests of honour when Messi plays what has been described as his final international match, taking place overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday. The Guepards have been making the most of their time in Buenos Aires ahead of the fixture.

Tijani was approached by Argentine television channel C5N while visiting a shop in the capital. He was choosing souvenirs for his young son alongside the team doctor, appearing more concerned with finding the right gift than with planning how to contain Messi.

“Mark Messi? Out of the question. We are just going to enjoy the match,” Tijani said, laughing. “We do not really have any particular strategy for him.”

There was no shortage of admiration for Messi, however. Tijani, who is currently without a club, described the Argentina forward as the best player in the world and explained that he planned to speak to him during the game.

“He is the best player in the world. I will look at him and tell him that he is a god,” Tijani said.

The defender added that Benin’s priority was to celebrate the occasion rather than treat the match as an ordinary fixture.

“We just want to enjoy the party because of this. It is Messi’s last international match,” said Tijani, smiling as he continued his walk through the streets of Buenos Aires.

Tijani has attracted considerable attention from the Argentine media during the team’s visit. He has also spoken to newspaper Ole, revealing that he hopes to take home another keepsake from his appearance at the Estadio Monumental.

His preferred memento is Messi’s shirt, which he wants to give to his mother.

“I want Messi’s shirt. I will tell Messi that I love him. This is a very special match for me. I will take that shirt home for my mother.”