‘I Don’t Idolise Lionel Messi’ – Benin Captain Steve Mounié Makes Surprise Admission Ahead of Argentina Clash

Benin captain Steve Mounié has revealed that he does not idolise Lionel Messi, despite his admiration for the Argentine superstar and what he has contributed to football.

Mounié’s comments came ahead of Benin’s high-profile international friendly against Argentina at the Estadio Monumental, where the West African side will come up against the reigning world champions and one of football’s most decorated players.

The 32-year-old striker travelled with the Benin squad to Buenos Aires but is unavailable for the encounter because of injury.

Despite missing the opportunity to face Messi on the pitch, Mounié said he remains interested in watching the Argentine great perform, while insisting that he has never viewed football stars as idols.

Mounié: ‘I Don’t Idolise Anyone’

Speaking to African outlet Mega Sports Media, Mounié explained that his passion for football has always been centred on appreciating the game and learning from talented players rather than putting them on a pedestal.

“I don’t idolise anyone, I don’t idolise Lionel Messi.”

The former Huddersfield Town striker added that even when he has faced some of the biggest names in world football, he has never been interested in asking them for their shirts.

“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.”

His comments underline an increasingly professional mindset among players who have had the opportunity to share the pitch with some of football’s biggest stars.

Mounié Still Has Huge Respect for Messi

While Mounié does not consider Messi an idol, he made it clear that he recognises the Argentine’s enormous contribution to the sport.

With Messi’s international career entering another historic chapter, Mounié believes the superstar deserves to enjoy the occasion and reflect on his remarkable career.

“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.”

Messi’s career has already produced a remarkable collection of individual and team honours, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, multiple Ballon d’Or awards and major domestic and continental titles.

For Mounié, however, the significance of Messi’s career does not mean he needs to approach him as a fan.

Benin Ready for a Tough Test

Although Mounié will not be able to contribute on the pitch, the Benin captain believes his team can compete through discipline and organisation.

Asked about what Argentina can expect from the Squirrels, Mounié kept his response simple:

“We are a very disciplined team.”

That discipline will be crucial against an Argentina side packed with world-class talent.

For Benin, the fixture represents more than just another international friendly. It is an opportunity for the African nation to test itself against one of the world’s strongest football teams while gaining valuable experience against elite opposition.

And while Mounié may not idolise Messi, he will certainly be watching closely as one of football’s greatest players takes centre stage in Buenos Aires.