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

In Benin, football fans expressed their pride at the country's role in Lionel Messi's final international appearance. The west African nation provided the opposition for Messi, who retired from international football after the match, which Benin lost 3-0 in Buenos Aires. Over 80,000 spectators filled the stands on Tuesday night, including many who only had eyes for the Argentine superstar.

Screens appeared in neighbourhoods throughout Benin's capital, Cotonou, so fans could watch the historic occasion, which kicked off at midnight local time. While a few supporters chanted "Go Benin" during the national anthems, the focus remained on Messi, who made his international farewell at the age of 39. Sylvestre Dagbedji, a security guard and Messi fan, said it was an honour for Benin to face the great player, adding that the nation would always remember the retirement match was against them.

Armand Folly, a motorcycle taxi-driver, expressed pride in Messi's career and sadness at his retirement, admitting he was "sad because Messi won't play anymore." The younger fans, like 17-year-old Destin Avere, were also delighted to see Messi's TV coverage, hailing him as "the god of football" and "the best player in the world."

Messi's goal in the 71st minute of the game was met with an eruption of cheers from the Beninese crowd, who had already forgotten the match's outcome.