Benin judge orders mass for Lionel Messi's father
Supreme Court judge Césaire Kpenonhoun requested the ceremony in Aklampa after being moved by the footballer's grief.
Césaire Kpenonhoun, a judge at Benin's Supreme Court, arranged a memorial mass in Aklampa on October 4 for Jorge Horacio Messi, the father of footballer Lionel Messi. The judge explained on November 8 that he was moved by Lionel Messi's mourning and sought a spiritual comfort for the deceased.
The requiem mass was held at the Catholic church in Aklampa by Father Jules Hodonou. Jorge Messi, who was 68, passed away in Rosario, Argentina. Judge Kpenonhoun had previously sent condolences to Lionel Messi via email on August 17 and postal mail on August 24.
The initiative was also marked by a friendly match between Aklampa FC veterans and Éléphants FC, which the latter won 3-0 after a minute of silence. This event occurred two days before Argentina's national team defeated Benin 3-0 in a gala match in Buenos Aires.
Why it mattersA Benin Supreme Court judge organised a memorial mass for the father of football star Lionel Messi, an act that also coincided with a football match between Argentina and Benin.