The Amazone statue became part of Messi’s international farewell. At dawn, the captain played his final match for Argentina, facing Benin in a friendly after an international career of more than 21 years with the Tango.
Before the match, Cissé Almeida, captain of the Benin team, presented him with a small replica of the celebrated Amazone statue in Cotonou. The gift was more than a keepsake from a final match: in Benin, the statue evokes the “Amazons” of Dahomey. These women warriors are associated with the history of the former kingdom and are known for their strength, courage and military discipline.
The original statue in Cotonou stands about 30 metres tall. It has become one of Benin’s prominent symbols and recalls the legacy of the warriors, who played a military role in the history of Dahomey.
So, on his final evening with Argentina, Messi received a symbol of strength and courage. The gesture linked his farewell to the Tango with a powerful historical reference for Benin.
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