Argentina v Benin: Marcel Dandjinou ready for Lionel Messi’s international farewell

Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou says his country are preparing for a “special match” when they face Argentina in Buenos Aires, where Lionel Messi is set to bring his international career to an end.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Kruger United in the Betway Premiership, accepts the occasion will carry particular importance for the hosts. However, Dandjinou insists Benin will not simply attend to mark Messi’s farewell and will still compete fully when the game begins.

He described Argentina captain Messi as a true legend of football and expects Benin’s players to compete with one another for the chance to claim his shirt after the match.

“For me, this match is not like any other,” Dandjinou told Marca. “I think it’s something that happens only once in our career, because it’s Messi’s last match. It’s a special match.”

Although Benin will recognise the significance of the occasion, Dandjinou said his responsibilities as a goalkeeper would remain unchanged, even if Messi had the opportunity to score from the penalty spot.

“No, no. I’m a goalkeeper and I’m there to stop shots,” he said. “Even if it’s the last minute and there’s a penalty, if Messi takes it, I’ll try to save it. It’s that simple: it’s football.”

Dandjinou also rejected the idea that Benin would be expected to help Messi score during his farewell appearance.

“Yes, we’re here to celebrate Messi, but nobody has told us we have to give him a goal,” he said. “And knowing Messi, you don’t need to give him anything either. If he wants to score, he’ll have to do everything possible to get it.”

The goalkeeper said every member of the Benin squad would like to leave with Messi’s shirt, creating a potential problem if only one player is able to request it.

“If you ask anyone on my team, everyone wants his shirt,” Dandjinou said. “So it would be good if they made a lot of shirts and gave one to each player. Because if only one of us can go and ask for the shirt, I don’t think it will be easy: we all want it.”

Dandjinou said taking part in the occasion would give him a lasting memory and a story he could carry throughout his career.

“It would be an enormous pride to play, and that memory will stay in my memory forever,” he said. “I’ll be able to say in my career: ‘I was there, at a legend’s last match, at Messi’s last match’.”

He added: “It’s incredible. We grew up watching Messi and Cristiano. Both have taught us a lot in football. They’ve been competing for a very long time. For me, Leo is one of the best players in this sport. One of the kings.”