Tijani, however, noted that he and his team-mates won’t man-mark Messi, adding that they will try to enjoy the encounter.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Benin Republic defender Mohamed Tijani has said he will tell Argentina captain and football icon Lionel Messi “you are God” when his team and the South Americans clash in an international friendly today.
He made the revelation during an interview with C5N, which was later reported by Argentine media outlet MinutoUno.
Argentina face Benin at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires, and the friendly encounter will serve as the final international match for Messi, who announced his retirement after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
ALSO READ: NFF cites injuries, club restrictions as Ndidi, Onyedika, others withdraw from Russia friendly
Speaking ahead of Argentina’s clash with Benin, Tijani noted that the Inter Miami forward “is the best player in the world”.
He, however, stated that they will not man-mark Messi during the friendly match, adding that he and his team-mates will just enjoy the encounter.
He said: “There is no need to specifically mark Messi. We just need to enjoy the game.
“I will look at him and say, ‘Messi, you are God.’ He is the best player in the world.”
