Benin manager Gernot Rohr says his side are determined to make the most of a rare opportunity when they face Argentina at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The friendly will coincide with Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the national team, with all 85,000 tickets sold for the occasion.
“We have the chance to face Argentina, one of the best teams in the world, in a legendary stadium which will be full,” said Rohr, the Franco-German coach. “We are very happy to be here.”
Benin’s preparations have been affected by a lengthy journey and a staggered arrival in Argentina. Following their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Mauritania in Abidjan - Benin do not currently have an approved stadium - the squad travelled via Paris.
Transport problems meant members of the delegation arrived in small groups between Thursday and Monday, with three players only joining up on Monday.
“It has not been easy to prepare in the best conditions,” Rohr said. “The journey was very long and tiring, there is the time difference and so on, but we are very happy to be in Argentina.”
The team have also encountered some difficulties at their accommodation and training base. Some rooms have reportedly lacked hot water, while the fitness room is considered too small and training conditions have been basic.
Rohr confirmed there had been “small problems” in some rooms, but said efforts were being made to resolve them.
“We are not going to complain. We have been welcomed very well by the Argentines,” he added.
Benin aiming to build on strong qualifying results
The players’ presence in Argentina was partly earned through their performances in the two latest qualifiers for CAN 2027.
Rohr had told the squad that they needed to be exemplary in those matches if they wanted to be considered for the trip. Benin responded by drawing 1-1 with Burkina Faso before beating Mauritania 2-1 in Abidjan.
“With four points, the record is positive,” Rohr said. “We will have to confirm that in November, in the two matches against Central African Republic.”
The chance to play Messi has added a further sense of occasion for Benin’s players, many of whom have never faced the Argentina captain.
“Many of my players have never had the opportunity to play against Messi, one of the best footballers in history,” said Rohr. “They are very happy, especially because they love Messi and see him as a fantastic player.”
Rohr says Benin will seek to compete rather than simply celebrate the occasion.
“We are really happy to be here for what promises to be a very special moment for football, and not only for the Argentines, who will celebrate Messi,” he said. “We will do everything to play well and be worthy of the event. Benin want to make a good impression and provide strong opposition.”
For Rohr, the fixture will also offer an important learning experience.
“Facing a team at world level is a chance for Benin,” he said. “We will learn a lot from this. The journey was long and complicated, but in the end it will help us a great deal.”