Benin gives Messi a gift intended for his wife

Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina’s national team, received gifts from a Benin delegation before the friendly between the two sides, held as part of the farewell to an Albiceleste legend. The statue among the presents had a particular recipient: Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, who was in the stands with family members.

Sessi D’Almeida, Benin’s second captain, made an effort to speak Spanish as he presented the Argentine star with a letter signed by all the Benin players, a rose and a small statue. The account was reported by Argentine newspaper Clarín. The statue is a miniature replica of the Monument de l’Amazone in Cotonou. The original is described as Benin’s most famous work of art.

The statue depicts a warrior tasked with « protecting the king », reflecting the meaning attributed to it in the country’s culture. Some Argentine media described it as « bizarre », but the gift was more than a formal gesture: it carried an emotional meaning because it was intended for Messi’s wife.

Steve Mounié, the national team’s first captain, also presented Messi with a Benin shirt. The Augsburg player missed the match through injury and travelled to Argentina to accompany his country’s delegation. Mounié and Messi had previously met when the Argentine played for Paris Saint-Germain and the Benin forward represented Brest.