‘I don’t idolise Lionel Messi’: Benin captain Mounié explains unique reason ahead of star’s final Argentina game

Lionel Messi's final Argentina appearance is expected to become one of the most emotional nights in the country's football history, but Benin captain Steve Mounié has approached the occasion from a very different perspective. Despite acknowledging what Messi has given to football, the 32-year-old has made clear that he has never viewed the Argentine superstar as someone to idolise ahead of their meeting in Buenos Aires.Steve Mounie insists he does not idolise MessiMounié will travel to the Estadio Monumental with his Benin teammates for Tuesday night's friendly against Argentina, although an injury means the captain will watch the historic occasion from the sidelines rather than take part on the pitch.The former Huddersfield Town striker has nevertheless made his feelings about Messi clear, refusing to place the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner above the players he has faced throughout his own career.Speaking to African outlet Mega Sports Media, Mounié was asked about Messi and gave a remarkably direct response.“I don't idolise anyone, I don't idolise Lionel Messi,” Mounié said.The Benin captain then explained that his admiration for football does not necessarily translate into treating the sport's biggest stars as idols, particularly when he is competing against them professionally.“I'm passionate about football and I love watching good players play, observing how incredibly well they play. When I played against great players, I never asked for a jersey.”Mounie still recognises what Messi has given footballWhile Mounié does not consider Messi an idol, his comments did not diminish the respect he has for the Argentine's career and the impact he has had on football over many years.Messi is preparing to make his final senior appearance for Argentina at the Monumental, bringing down the curtain on an international career that has included a World Cup title, two Copa America triumphs and the Finalissima.Mounié acknowledged the significance of being present for the occasion, particularly because the match gives him an opportunity to see Messi's final moments in the famous blue and white shirt.“I came for that: to see what he is going to do. He [Messi] should enjoy this moment as a footballer and as someone who has done so much for football over many years. He deserves a moment to enjoy it,” Mounié said.Messi will enter the match as Argentina's record appearance-maker and leading scorer, while the farewell is expected to bring together members of the country's 2022 World Cup-winning squad and the emerging generation that will eventually take the team forward.Benin captain expects a disciplined side against ArgentinaMounié's comments came with Benin preparing to face the reigning world champions in a fixture that carries an obvious imbalance on paper, particularly with Messi making his final Argentina appearance at home.The Leopards captain will not be able to influence the match directly from the pitch because of his injury, but he remains with the squad as they prepare for one of the biggest opponents in their international calendar.He has also been an important figure for Benin, representing the national team at major tournaments and playing a central role in the country's memorable run at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, when the Squirrels reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.When asked what Argentina can expect from Benin, Mounié offered a concise description of the team's approach while keeping the focus firmly on their preparation.“We are a very disciplined team,” he said.That discipline will be tested by an Argentina side preparing to give Messi a farewell in front of a packed Estadio Monumental, with the Benin players facing the unusual task of competing in a match whose biggest story will inevitably centre on the player wearing the opposing shirt.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.