Benin full of pride at role in Messi's last dance

Cotonou, Benin: Football enthusiasts in Benin expressed their pride in the country's role in Lionel Messi's final international match – a game that the west African nation played against Argentina. The match, held in Buenos Aires, drew a crowd of over 80,000 spectators. Despite Benin's 3-0 loss, the significance of the event overshadowed the result, as it marked Messi's farewell from international football. Screens were set up throughout Cotonou, with locals anxious to catch every moment of the historic occasion.

Many fans were solely focused on Messi, acknowledging the historic nature of the night. Sylvestre Dagbedji, a 34-year-old security guard and Messi fan, stated that it was an honor that Benin provided the opposition for Messi's last international appearance. Armand Folly, a 27-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, expressed his pride in Messi's career and his sadness about his retirement. Young fans, like Destin Avere, 17, hailed Messi as the best player in the world and a prominent figure throughout his two-decade-long career.

The crowd's attention was primarily on Messi, as they watched with bated breath during his final match. When Messi scored the decisive penalty in the 71st minute, the Beninese fans erupted in celebration, momentarily forgetting the match's outcome. The memory of Messi's last international appearance would forever be etched in the hearts of the Beninese football fans.