Benin marked Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina with a special gesture before their friendly in Buenos Aires.
The African side presented Messi and his family with several gifts ahead of the match at the Monumental. Argentina later won 3-0, with Messi scoring from the penalty spot in his last appearance for his country.
Benin vice captain Sessi D’Almeida spoke in Spanish as he presented Messi with the gifts. They included a letter signed by the Benin players, a flower and a small statue.
The statue carried a special meaning. It was a smaller version of the Amazon Monument in Cotonou, Benin’s largest city.
The monument honours the Dahomey Amazons, also known as the Agojie. They were an all female military group who defended the Kingdom of Dahomey. They became known for their courage and strength.
The gesture carried a symbolic message. The figure represented a warrior and protector, with Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo presented the statue as the person who would “protect the king”.
The original Amazon Monument was opened in Cotonou in 2022. It stands 30 metres tall and weighs around 150 tonnes.
Benin captain Steve Mounie also took part in the presentation. He handed Messi a Benin national team shirt.
Mounie could not play in the friendly because of injury. However, he travelled to Argentina to be with the Benin delegation for Messi’s farewell.
The two players had crossed paths before in French football. Messi played for Paris Saint Germain while Mounie represented Brest.
The gifts added another personal moment to an emotional night for Messi. After more than two decades with Argentina, he ended his international journey with a goal, a victory and a farewell filled with tributes from both sides.
