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Lionel Messi describes ending Argentina career as his ‘saddest day’ in football

Lionel Messi describes ending Argentina career as his ‘saddest day’ in football

Messi addresses crowd after scoring in win against Benin ‘Not coming any more is going to be deeply painful’ Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin. Messi, who scored and provided two assists in the victory at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, took to the field after the win to express gratitude to fans and teammates as he reflected on his 21-year career with Argentina. Continue reading...

ArgentinienBenínBuenos Aires
Oct 7, 2026 · byThe Guardian
Lionel Messi signs off in tears after one last Argentina master class

Lionel Messi signs off in tears after one last Argentina master class

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi delivered one last master class in blue and white on ​Tuesday as Argentina's captain brought the curtain down on his extraordinary 21-year international career by ‌scoring one goal ​and setting up two others in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin. The 39-year-old's final bow in front of more than 85,000 fans at a packed Monumental stadium was less about football and more a national celebration of Messi's service to the national team. Landmarks across the capital glowed with the team's sky blue and white colours, while fireworks lit up the skies above ⁠the heaving stadium as fans poured their hearts into a rendition of Argentina's national anthem. "It's hard to talk," said Messi, whose family watched proudly from the stands alongside some of Argentina's World Cup winners of 1978, 1986 and 2022. "There are a lot of emotions, a lot ‌of things going through my head. The first thing I think about is my old man," he added, referring to the recent death of his father. "It was a huge source of pride for me to ‌wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years. "Not coming anymore ‌is going to hurt a lot. I swear, I'd love to keep coming my whole ‌life, because playing for Argentina is ‌the most beautiful thing that can happen to you." 'Gracias' Hours earlier, a massive No. 10 shirt emblazoned with "Gracias" was unfurled at the National Flag ​Memorial in Rosario, Messi's ‌hometown. As the team bus travelled ​from the training centre bearing his name, Messi ⁠wiped away tears as thousands lined the route. When the teams took the pitch, Benin's captain looked lost for words as he handed Messi a gift and letter during the pre-match handshake. After a goalless ​first half, Messi supplied ⁠the assist for Nicolas Otamendi ⁠to tap home Argentina's opener. Otamendi shared 17 years with Messi in the national team, including four World Cups, and was also ending his international career. Messi then set up Nico Paz, one of ⁠the players seen as a potential successor for Argentina's No. 10 shirt, to score the second goal. In a fairytale ending, Messi converted a penalty for 3-0, his 126th international goal, prompting another round of "Messi, Messi" chants from the crowd. At the final whistle, teammates, opponents and the referee gathered around Messi for embraces before a drone show lit up the sky. Argentine singer ‌Soledad Pastorutti, known as "La Sole", then sang her signature "Brindis" as part of a tribute to Messi and his journey with ​the national team. Messi leaves as the country's most-capped player (208) and record scorer having transformed years of frustration on the international stage into a story of World Cup and Copa America triumphs. For years, Argentina asked Messi to deliver. On Tuesday, it simply came to say 'Thank You'.

ArgentinienBenínBuenos Aires
Oct 7, 2026 · byMobile Business
Lionel Messi bids a tearful farewell to Argentina after 3-0 win over Benin

Lionel Messi bids a tearful farewell to Argentina after 3-0 win over Benin

Messi nets PK and assists twice as Argentina cruises Match paused in 10th minute for round of applause Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in an emotional final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires. In a perfectly scripted finale, the 39-year-old widely regarded as the greatest football player in history signed off with his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 supporters as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Benin. Continue reading...

ArgentinienBenínBuenos Aires
Oct 7, 2026 · byThe Guardian
Algeria: Desert Locust Bulletin 576 (6 October 2026)

Algeria: Desert Locust Bulletin 576 (6 October 2026)

Countries: Algeria, Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Yemen Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Please refer to the attached file. ISOLATED ADULTS IN THE WESTERN REGION In September, the general locust situation appeared calm across the three desert locust breeding Regions. In the Western Region, solitarious adult populations continued to be present in Mauritania and Chad, but no locusts were seen in Algeria and Tunisia. No surveys were conducted in Mali and Niger. In the Central Region, isolated adults were seen in Egypt, and no locusts were seen in Sudan, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman. In the Eastern Region, no locusts were seen in Iran, Pakistan and India. During the forecast period, summer breeding in Mauritania, southern Algeria, northern Mali and Niger, and Chad could result in increasing locust populations in the Western Region, where hopper and adult groups may form by the end of the forecast period. Surveys should continue in the summer breeding areas of these countries as the ecological conditions are favorable for breeding, and preventive control may be required. In the Central Region, small-scale breeding may occur in the summer areas of Sudan, the western lowlands of Eritrea and the interior areas of Yemen. Small-scale winter breeding may begin on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden coastal plains, but no significant developments are expected. In the Eastern Region, summer breeding may occur along the Indo-Pakistan border; however, no significant developments are expected.

AfghanistanArabia SauditaArgelia
Oct 7, 2026 · byReliefWeb
Lionel Messi farewell match live – updates and analysis from Argentina v Benin

Lionel Messi farewell match live – updates and analysis from Argentina v Benin

Farewell match kicks off at 7pm ET Messi has completed football Email Pablo your analysis, jokes and more I could populate the entirety of this pre-match coverage with milestones and statistics from Messi’s illustrious career – his international career alone is a statistician’s dream, especially in the past two World Cup cycles, which saw him solidify his status as an immortal. Our own Ryan Benson unpacks the statistical absurdity of it all, arguing that Messi has at this point “completed football.” It’s hard to disagree: Continue reading...

ArgentinienBenínLionel Messi
Oct 6, 2026 · byThe Guardian
Benin: West Africa Seasonal Monitor: Localized Rainfall Deficits Persist Across the Sahel as the Rainy Season is Ending (September 29, 2026)

Benin: West Africa Seasonal Monitor: Localized Rainfall Deficits Persist Across the Sahel as the Rainy Season is Ending (September 29, 2026)

Countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo Source: Famine Early Warning System Network Please refer to the attached file. Key Messages The Intertropical Front (ITF) reached its northernmost position in the second dekad of August, and due to an uneven southward retreat, it is currently located north of the climatological mean along its entire length. Rainfall deficits across northern part of the Sahel zone have reduced vegetation conditions and crop water availability. Rainfall forecasts for October and November show above-normal rainfall is expected across the Sahel, while below-normal rainfall is likely over the bimodal areas. Based on the extended streamflow forecast, the likelihood of flooding along the major Rivers in West Africa is extremely low through the end of the season.

BenínBurkina FasoCameroon
Oct 6, 2026 · byReliefWeb
Lionel Messi has completed football and can bid Argentina farewell with pride

Lionel Messi has completed football and can bid Argentina farewell with pride

Messi says goodbye with 208 caps and a World Cup but there were times he thought his glory would never come By Opta Analyst Not for the first time, Lionel Messi is returning to the Argentina national team. This occasion, however, will be accompanied by a sense of completion and celebration rather than obligation, as the country bids farewell to probably the greatest footballer ever. Messi will wear the Argentina shirt one last time this week for a friendly in Buenos Aires against Benin (who else?!) after he was invited back for a celebratory runout following his decision to retire from international football after the World Cup final. He has retired before. In 2016, having suffered heartbreak in a major international final for the third year in a row, Messi was seemingly done . “This is tough and a difficult time,” he said after the Copa América Centenario final defeat to Chile . “The end has come for me and our team. It has been four finals – it just wasn’t for me unfortunately. I looked for it and wanted it so badly, but it didn’t happen. This is best for everyone – for me and for a lot of people that wish this. The team has ended for me, a decision made. I tried many times and I leave without being able to obtain it.” Continue reading...

ArgentinienBenínBuenos Aires
Oct 6, 2026 · byThe Guardian
Messi set for emotional Argentina farewell in Buenos Aires

Messi set for emotional Argentina farewell in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi is preparing for his final match for Argentina, bringing the curtain down on one of the most celebrated international careers in football history. The 39-year-old will make his farewell appearance in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, in a match dubbed “The Night That No One Wants to End.” Messi announced his retirement from international football in the weeks following Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in July, saying: “The time has come.” The Argentine Football Association persuaded the football icon to make one final appearance for his country, giving fans the opportunity to bid farewell at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental. The association described the occasion as an event that will “transcend sports” and be “full of emotion”. Ahead of the match, Messi shared photographs on social media of his arrival to join the national team for the final time and images from his last training sessions. “Special moments I know I will miss,” he wrote. Messi came agonisingly close to leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles before the defeat to Spain. Four years earlier, however, he fulfilled his greatest ambition by guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, following in the footsteps of national legend Diego Maradona. His international record is unmatched. Messi has played 207 matches for Argentina and ends his career as the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including 21 at World Cups. He also appeared in a record-equalling six World Cups, matching long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo. After briefly retiring from international football in 2016, Messi returned to enjoy the most successful period of his Argentina career, winning the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 World Cup. While his Argentina career is ending, Messi continues to play club football with Inter Miami and recently won the Campeones Cup, his fourth trophy with the American club.

ArgentinienBenínBuenos Aires
Oct 6, 2026 · byMobile Business
Economic growth and democratic decline: the ‘cotton king’ who reshaped Benin

Economic growth and democratic decline: the ‘cotton king’ who reshaped Benin

Patrice Talon has transformed the west African country’s economy and infrastructure at the expense of political freedom In recent years, a building boom has reshaped Benin’s largest city, Cotonou, and a shiny new coastal road has reduced journey times to Ouidah, the west African country’s spiritual and cultural capital. In the last decade, Benin’s annual GDP has grown from 3% to 6%, a regional high, and an industrial zone has been launched north-west of Cotonou to help industrialise the relatively small nation’s largely informal economy. Continue reading...

Benín
Sep 30, 2026 · byThe Guardian
DR Congo: Afrique de l’Ouest et centrale : Derniers événements en bref (du 22 au 28 septembre 2026)

DR Congo: Afrique de l’Ouest et centrale : Derniers événements en bref (du 22 au 28 septembre 2026)

Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached Infographic. République démocratique du Congo La violence entraîne des déplacements de population et aggrave les difficultés humanitaires et sanitaires Les combats dans le Sud-Kivu et le Nord-Kivu continuent de provoquer des déplacements de civils. Depuis juillet, plus de 40 000 personnes ont été nouvellement déplacées dans le territoire de Fizi, tandis que le Sud-Kivu accueille près de 1,2 million de personnes déplacées à l’intérieur du pays. En Ituri, l’insécurité sur le site de déplacés de Kigonze, à Bunia, qui accueille près de 19 000 personnes, a accru les préoccupations en matière de protection et fortement restreint l’accès humanitaire depuis le 20 septembre. Par ailleurs, la riposte à Ebola se heurte à des difficultés croissantes d’acceptation par les communautés. Au 26 septembre, les autorités faisaient état de 8 116 cas confirmés et de près de 4 000 décès. De récentes attaques liées aux activités de prévention d’Ebola dans le Nord-Kivu ont encore compliqué les efforts de riposte, dans un contexte marqué par l’insécurité, les contraintes d’accès et la poursuite des mouvements de population. Libéria La malnutrition infantile s'aggrave alors que l'aide diminue La malnutrition infantile et l’insécurité alimentaire s’aggravent dans un contexte de réduction de l’accès aux services de nutrition et de santé, à la suite de coupes dans l’aide internationale. Selon les estimations récentes, seuls 2,4 % des enfants âgés de 6 à 23 mois bénéficient d’une alimentation minimale acceptable, tandis que la malnutrition aiguë chez les enfants de moins de cinq ans a atteint 8,5 %. Les organisations humanitaires alertent sur les importantes lacunes dans les services essentiels engendrées par l’arrêt de programmes auparavant financés, qui accroissent les risques pour les enfants et les familles vulnérables. Mauritanie Des inondations mettent en évidence une vulnérabilité croissante face aux chocs climatiques Les fortes pluies tombées depuis le 24 septembre ont provoqué des inondations généralisées à Nouakchott, perturbant les transports et les activités quotidiennes et ravivant les inquiétudes concernant les infrastructures de drainage. Ces inondations surviennent dans un contexte de risques climatiques croissants à travers le pays, en particulier dans les régions du sud et du sud-est exposées aux sécheresses, aux inondations et aux tempêtes de sable. Une récente étude de l’OIM a révélé que 75 % des personnes interrogées se considèrent vulnérables aux chocs climatiques, tandis que beaucoup ne disposent pas des ressources suffisantes pour s’y adapter. L’OIM a appelé à un renforcement des investissements en faveur de la résilience, de la sécurité alimentaire et de l’adaptation au changement climatique. Afrique de l'Ouest Les risques climatiques soulignent les besoins de financement de la région, estimés à 294 milliards de dollars d'ici 2030 Depuis le 24 septembre, de fortes pluies ont provoqué d’importantes inondations à Nouakchott, perturbant les transports et les activités quotidiennes et suscitant de nouvelles préoccupations concernant les infrastructures de drainage. Ces inondations surviennent dans un contexte de risques climatiques croissants à travers le pays, notamment dans les régions du sud et du sud-est, exposées aux sécheresses, aux inondations et aux tempêtes de sable. Selon une récente étude de l’OIM, 75 % des personnes interrogées se considèrent vulnérables aux chocs climatiques, tandis que beaucoup ne disposent pas de ressources suffisantes pour s’y adapter. L’OIM a appelé à davantage d’investissements dans la résilience, la sécurité alimentaire et l’adaptation au changement climatique.

BenínBurkina FasoCôte d'Ivoire
Sep 29, 2026 · byReliefWeb
DR Congo: West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (22–28 September 2026)

DR Congo: West and Central Africa: Latest Events at a glance (22–28 September 2026)

Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached Infographic. Democratic Republic of the Congo Violence drives displacement and compounds humanitarian and health challenges Fighting across South Kivu and North Kivu continues to displace civilians, with more than 40,000 people newly displaced in Fizi territory since July and nearly 1.2 million internally displaced people hosted across South Kivu. In Ituri, insecurity at the Kigonze displacement site in Bunia, hosting nearly 19,000 people, has heightened protection concerns and severely restricted humanitarian access since 20 September. Meanwhile, the Ebola response faces growing community acceptance challenges. As of 26 September, authorities reported 8,116 confirmed cases and nearly 4,000 deaths. Recent attacks linked to Ebola prevention activities in North Kivu have further complicated response efforts, alongside insecurity, access constraints and continued population movements. Liberia Child malnutrition worsens amid reduced assistance Child malnutrition and food insecurity are worsening amid reduced access to nutrition and health services following cuts in international assistance. Recent estimates indicate that only 2.4 per cent of children aged 6–23 months receive a minimum acceptable diet, while acute malnutrition among children under five has risen to 8.5 per cent. Humanitarian organizations warn that the closure of previously funded programmes has created significant gaps in essential services, increasing risks for vulnerable children and families. Mauritania Flooding highlights growing vulnerability to climate shocks Heavy rains since 24 September have caused widespread flooding in Nouakchott, disrupting transport and daily activities and renewing concerns over drainage infrastructure. The flooding comes amid growing climate risks across the country, particularly in southern and southeastern regions exposed to droughts, floods and sandstorms. A recent IOM study found that 75 per cent of respondents consider themselves vulnerable to climate shocks, while many lack adequate resources to adapt. IOM called for increased investment in resilience, food security and climate adaptation. West Africa Climate risks underscore region’s $294 billion financing needs by 2030 ECOWAS estimates that approximately $294 billion will be required by 2030 to implement Member States’ climate commitments and strengthen resilience, as climate-related risks intensify across the region. A new study warns that the current El Niño phenomenon could contribute to more than 450,000 additional heat-related deaths globally by early 2027, with the Sahel among the most affected regions. Researchers estimate nearly 67,000 additional deaths in the Sahel, including more than 31,000 in Nigeria, amid extreme heat, food insecurity and limited access to healthcare. At a regional parliamentary seminar in Accra, ECOWAS officials called for stronger climate governance and increased investment in adaptation and resilience, including through innovative financing mechanisms such as carbon markets.

BenínBurkina FasoCôte d'Ivoire
Sep 29, 2026 · byReliefWeb
Messi’s exit leaves Argentina with impossible task of replacing their superhero | Jonathan Wilson

Messi’s exit leaves Argentina with impossible task of replacing their superhero | Jonathan Wilson

When things are going awry, the Albiceleste will no longer be able to rely on their ultimate get-out clause It isn’t quite over yet. Lionel Messi will return a week on Wednesday for his formal farewell in a friendly against Benin, but, before that, Argentina face two games when they will begin to experience a future without the most potent get-out-of-jail-free card football has known. Messi’s international career falls into two distinct halves. There was the first decade when there was a sense that he didn’t quite fit, was somehow insufficiently Argentinian, didn’t care for his country. That was always absurd and can be recognised now as a manifestation of the Argentinian public’s frustration at their trophy drought despite the presence in their forward line of one of the best three to play the game. Continue reading...

ArgentinienBenínLionel Messi
Sep 26, 2026 · byThe Guardian
UNAIDS welcomes a new € 544,000 contribution from Benin to support UNAIDS work in the country

UNAIDS welcomes a new € 544,000 contribution from Benin to support UNAIDS work in the country

Country: Benin Source: UNAIDS NEW YORK/GENEVA, 24 September 2026 —The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) warmly welcomes a new contribution of € 544,042 from the Government of Benin to support UNAIDS' work in the country over the period 2026-2027. The funding agreement, signed in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, reflects Benin's strong commitment to sustaining progress against HIV and ensuring that lifesaving prevention, treatment and support services continue to reach the people who need them most. The contribution will help strengthen UNAIDS' presence in Benin and support efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient HIV response at a time when many countries and organizations are facing reduced international financing for health and development programmes. “This signing is not a simple administrative act; it is a mark of loyalty. Since 2001, UNAIDS has stood by our side,” said the Minister of Health of Benin Benjamin Hounkpatin. “It is more than a financing agreement; it is proof that a steadfast partnership, sustained over time, saves lives: 72% fewer new infections and 51% fewer deaths since 2010. These are lives saved and families protected.” UNAIDS has been supporting Benin's HIV response since 2001, working alongside government institutions, communities, civil society organizations and development partners to expand access to HIV services, reduce stigma and discrimination, and advance health equity. Over the past decade, Benin has made significant progress in the HIV response. "This contribution from the Government of Benin is a powerful demonstration of national leadership and shared responsibility in the fight against HIV," said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. "At a time when global health financing is under pressure, Benin is sending a clear message: the fight against AIDS is not over. We are deeply grateful for this partnership, which will help protect hard-won gains, accelerate progress towards ending AIDS and ensure that no one is left behind." Benin’s support will strengthen UNAIDS' strategic capacity to provide policy advice, data and analysis, community engagement, resource mobilization, and efforts to reach populations most affected by HIV. It will also help reinforce coordination across sectors to ensure that Benin remains on track to achieve national and global HIV targets. “At a time when multilateral funding is faltering across the world, Benin has chosen not to look away,” added Minister Hounkpatin. “By mobilizing €544,042 for the next two years, our country is sending a clear signal: that it is taking full ownership of, and responsibility for, its response to HIV. Today, we honour this partnership, and we renew our commitment to it for the future.” Benin joins a growing group of countries investing directly in UNAIDS' work, alongside Algeria, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Kazakhstan, Lao PDR, the Philippines and Thailand. These contributions reflect the strong confidence that countries place in UNAIDS' role and their determination to sustain a robust HIV response by ensuring UNAIDS remains present and actively engaged on the ground. UNAIDS commends the Government of Benin for its leadership and commitment to investing in a healthier and more equitable future and looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with all national partners to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. UNAIDS The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube .

BenínNueva York
Sep 25, 2026 · byReliefWeb