Benin’s players are joining Lionel Messi’s last tango. Their national team has arrived in Argentina, and some of its players took the opportunity to buy souvenirs in Buenos Aires.
The meeting is set for Wednesday at 01:00, when Lionel Messi is due to play his final match with Argentina at the Monumental. Benin will be the opponent, but attention is expected to focus above all on the number 10’s last touches. The account of the match describes the Beninese side as competing in a distinctly lower category.
Asked what Messi meant to him, Tijani called him “the best in the world”. The doctor accompanying him described Messi as “the god of football”. A Benin defender also summed up the approach to facing the star: “You don’t have to defend Messi. You just have to enjoy him.”
The admiration is not confined to the stands: Messi’s opponents feel it too. The match matters to Benin, but the chance to watch Messi in action gives the occasion an added significance.
FootballAdemola Lookman has returned to training with Atlético Madrid. Morten Hjulmand is expected to be the next international back with the group as the team prepares to face Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza.
FootballAbsent from Monday’s session at Valdebebas, Kylian Mbappé is expected to continue his rehabilitation and training ahead of the Liga match against Villarreal.
FootballThe Swedish defender has sustained an injury to his right thigh. The club estimates he will be out for about a month and a half.
FootballValverde, Konaté and Mbappé could be available against Villarreal on October 10. Their recovery period was 10 to 12 days.
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