Marcel Dandjinou vows to deny Lionel Messi in Benin clash

Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou says he will do everything within his ability to stop Lionel Messi scoring when the Guepards face Argentina on Wednesday.

The FIFA international fixture will be played in Argentina, with the 2022 world champions hosting Benin in what is expected to be Messi’s final international match.

Despite the occasion and the reputation of the Argentina captain, Dandjinou insists he will not be intimidated by Messi’s name. The Benin goalkeeper has made clear that his priority will be to prevent the forward from finding the net.

“I am a goalkeeper and my role is to stop shots. Even if it is the last minute and there is a penalty, if Messi takes it, I will try to save it,” Dandjinou said.

“It is as simple as that: it is football. Yes, we are here to celebrate Messi, but nobody told us that we had to give him a goal.”

The match will give the Guepards the chance to face the reigning world champions while Messi prepares to play what is described as the final international fixture of his career.