Benin’s Curious Strategy to Stop Lionel Messi
Mohamed Tijani is set to face Lionel Messi on a historic night, but his strategy for stopping the Argentine is anything but conventional.
Hours before facing Lionel Messi, Mohamed Tijani was spotted walking through downtown Buenos Aires with something very different on his mind from stopping the Argentina captain: buying souvenirs for his family.
Cameras from C5N caught the 29-year-old defender strolling alongside Benin’s team doctor. Tijani had just bought an Argentina-colored mate cup for his son when the conversation inevitably turned to Messi.
Then came the question any defender might expect before facing him: what is the plan for marking the No. 10? The answer was far less tactical than expected.
“You Don’t Mark Messi”
Tijani did not talk about defensive support, man-marking or closing down space. His strategy is much simpler.
“You don’t mark Messi. We’re going to enjoy this match. There’s no special plan to defend against Messi. You just have to enjoy it,” he said with a laugh.
The admiration became even clearer when Benin’s team doctor described the Argentine as “the God of football.” Tijani quickly agreed and explained what he plans to do when he finally comes face-to-face with him.
“I’m going to look at him and say, ‘Messi, you are God,’” the defender said. He also called him “the best in the world” and recalled following Argentina’s matches during the World Cup.
From a Mate Cup to the Souvenir He Really Wants
The mate cup he bought for his son may not be the only Argentine souvenir Tijani hopes to take home after the match.
The defender has another goal: getting Messi’s shirt.
“I’d be happy if he gives me the shirt. I’m going to ask him,” he said before sending a direct message to the Argentina captain: “Messi, I love you very much. Can you give me your shirt?”
The moment perfectly captures the mood surrounding Benin ahead of an extraordinary occasion. Tijani will have to face Messi on the field, but just hours before the game he seemed far more excited about sharing the pitch with him than concerned about finding a way to stop him.
Argentina Prepares a Night With a Taste of Qatar
While Benin enjoys an unusual experience, Lionel Scaloni is putting the finishing touches on the team that will accompany Messi on one of the most special nights of his international career.
The coach intends to reunite several players who shared Argentina’s most successful period with the captain. Rodrigo De Paul and Nicolás Otamendi are among the notable additions, while the possible lineup includes Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
The match will be played on Tuesday, October 6 at 8:00 p.m. at the Monumental, on a night built around Messi’s farewell in front of the Argentine crowd.
Tijani already has the mate cup for his son. Now he just needs to survive his encounter with Messi and, if everything goes according to plan, leave with the No. 10’s shirt as well.
Mohamed Tijani’s Unusual Mission
- The defender said Benin has no special plan to mark Messi.
- Tijani bought an Argentina mate cup for his son while walking around Buenos Aires.
- His biggest wish after the match is to get Lionel Messi’s shirt.
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