Argentina v Benin: Marcel Dandjinou promises not to go easy on Messi

The Cheetahs are set to face La Albiceleste in an international friendly scheduled for 7 October at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

But ahead of this match, which will mark Lionel Messi’s farewell, Marcel Dandjinou has set out his ambitions against the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. The Cheetahs’ goalkeeper is determined to play his part to the full.

For Marcel Dandjinou, the objective remains the same: to prevent the ball from crossing his line. The Beninese goalkeeper acknowledges that this match will also be an opportunity to celebrate Lionel Messi, but that won’t change his approach on the pitch.

“I’m a goalkeeper and my role is to save shots.

“Even if it’s the last minute and there’s a penalty, if Messi takes it, I’ll try to save it. It’s as simple as that: that’s football.

“Yes, we’re here to celebrate Messi, but nobody’s told us we have to give him a goal. And knowing Messi, we don’t need to give him any gifts.

“If he wants to score, he’ll have to do everything he can to make it happen.”