Benin present Lionel Messi with special statue for wife Antonela Roccuzzo

Lionel Messi was given a distinctive farewell gift by Benin before Argentina’s friendly against the African side at the Monumental, with a small statue intended for his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, rather than the Argentina captain himself.

Argentina won the match 3-0 on Wednesday morning, with Messi scoring the third goal from the penalty spot in what was described as his farewell appearance for the national team.

Benin vice-captain Sessi D’Almeida made an effort to speak in Spanish as he presented Messi with a package of gifts from the squad. It included a letter signed by all the Benin players, a rose and the statue, according to Argentine newspaper Clarin.

The figure was a miniature replica of the Amazon Monument in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital and largest city. Although some Argentine media outlets described it as an unusual present, the statue carried a particular meaning.

Statue linked to Benin’s historic women warriors

The original monument commemorates the Amazons of Dahomey, known locally as the Agojie. They are recognised as the only documented all-female army in the world and defended the ancient African kingdom during the 19th century.

The Agojie have since become an international symbol of strength, courage and female resistance.

The Benin delegation did not hand the statue directly to Messi. Instead, it was given to Roccuzzo, who was watching from the directors’ box with members of the family. In line with the cultural meaning attached to the gift, the historic warrior was presented as the figure responsible for “protecting the king”.

The original Amazon Monument is considered Benin’s best-known work of art. It was inaugurated in 2022, stands 30 metres tall and weighs 150 tonnes. Covered in bronze, it was designed by Chinese sculptor Li Xiang-Kun and stands in front of the Beninese presidential palace. It is the second-tallest statue in Africa.

Benin captain Steve Mounie also took part in the presentation, carrying a Benin shirt for Messi. The Augsburg striker missed the match because of injury but travelled to Argentina to accompany his country’s delegation for the occasion.

Mounie is familiar with Messi from the Argentine’s time at Paris Saint-Germain. The two previously faced one another when Mounie was playing for Brest.

The gifts were presented during an event billed as a historic farewell for Messi, who scored once as Argentina completed a 3-0 victory over Benin.