The opponent’s goalkeeper promised “not to give Messi a goal” in his farewell match

Benin goalkeeper Marcel Danjinu said he would not specifically give goals to eight Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in his farewell match for Argentina.

Messi announced on August 31 that he had decided to retire from the national team. His farewell meeting will take place on the night of October 7 in Buenos Aires. Argentina will play a friendly match against Benin.

“I am a goalkeeper and my job is to hit the balls. Even if it's the last minute and the penalty, and Messi will beat him, I will try to reflect him. It's simple: it's football. Yes, we are here to celebrate Messi, but nobody said we should give him a goal. Besides, knowing Messi, he does not need to present anything. If he wants to score, he will do everything possible for it, Danjinu told Marca.

The goalkeeper said it will be a special game: I think it happens once in my career to be part of Messi’s last match. It's a special game. We are here for Argentina and Messi, but we must not forget that we represent our country. We're here to protect Benin. It's football."".

39-year-old Messi played for the national team since 2005, spent 207 matches and scored 125 goals. He won with the team at the 2022 World Cup and reached the final of the world championship in 2026. Also on his account is the gold of the 2008 Olympics, two Copa America (2021, 2024) and the trophy Finalissima-2022.