Benin's Cheetahs under pressure to protect Messi in Buenos Aires

At Buenos Aires airport, the Benin players were welcomed by Argentine supporters waving an unexpected message: “Watch out for Leo, you must not hurt him!”. Chosen to accompany Lionel Messi’s announced final appearance with Argentina, the Cheetahs are already experiencing an unusual fervor.

A surprising request for the Beninese players

Some supporters even asked the African internationals to protect Messi during the match. Their appeal received a direct response: “No, he’s our idol too!”, summarizing the unique atmosphere surrounding this game.

The players are considering keeping a souvenir of the evening: several want to photograph the number 10 and keep his shirt, even though the requests will far exceed what is possible.

Steve Mounié, injured and unavailable, personally funded his plane ticket to join his teammates and attend this historic event. The Beninese delegation spent about twenty‑four hours traveling in economy class.

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Ranked 89th in the FIFA rankings, the Cheetahs had never faced Argentina and no obvious sporting justification was provided. The late organization and the commercial importance of the spectacle seem to have weighed into the decision.

The roughly 70,000 tickets available sold out in ninety minutes, highlighting the global enthusiasm around Messi’s final farewell.

For Benin, the challenge goes beyond the result: they will have to face Argentina while, almost against their will, taking part in the celebration of a legend they admire as much as their opponents.