‘We won't be marking Messi’: Benin defender’s message ahead of icon’s farewell

Benin defender Mohamed Tijani has offered a heartwarming perspective ahead of Lionel Messi’s final international appearance for Argentina, saying his team will not man-mark the legendary forward but instead savour the opportunity to share the pitch with one of football’s greatest icons.Argentina face Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, with the match set to mark Messi’s farewell in the famous blue-and-white shirt. The occasion has been billed as an emotional celebration of the 39-year-old’s extraordinary international career, with thousands of fans expected to turn out to bid farewell to their captain.Speaking to Argentine outlet C5N ahead of the game, Tijani made it clear that stopping Messi would not be the only priority for Benin.“We would not be marking Messi. We will just enjoy this match.