Benin full of pride at role in Lionel Messi's last dance

Football fans in Benin declared that it was "an honour" that the West African nation provided the opposition for Lionel Messi's final international appearance

Benin lost 3-0 in Buenos Aires in front of more than 80,000 spectators on Tuesday -- but the result was almost meaningless on a night on which one of the world's greatest ever players made his international farewell.

From neighbourhood to neighbourhood, screens had sprung up in restaurants and bars in the Beninese capital Cotonou so as not to miss a moment of the historic occasion.

"We're looking for a screen, even if we have to stand," said one young worker, hurrying like many others to find a spot in time to watch the action from Argentina that kicked off at midnight local time in Benin.

Although a few "Go Benin" chants rang out during the national anthems, those watching in Benin really only had eyes for 39-year-old Messi, aware that they were witnessing a historic moment in world football.

Source: The Standard Sports