Benin Fans Watch Lionel Messi's Final International Match
· Sports · Times of India, Al Jazeera
Lionel Messi played his final international match for Argentina on October 6, 2026, in a 3-0 victory against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Despite the loss, fans in Benin gathered in restaurants and bars across Cotonou to witness the 39-year-old forward's career conclusion. Supporters expressed pride in their national team facing one of football's most decorated players in his farewell appearance. The match, which kicked off at midnight local time in Benin, drew large crowds who viewed the event as a historic moment in world football. Fans praised Messi's legacy, highlighting his long-standing impact on the sport from his time at Barcelona to Inter Miami.
Why it matters
The match marked the end of a two-decade international career for one of football's most influential players, serving as a significant cultural moment for fans in Benin.
Read the original report — Times of India
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