Argentina’s Behaviour Towards Benin Slammed During Messi’s Last Match

It was the definition of a bittersweet moment in football. On one hand, Lionel Messi’s brilliant international career was being celebrated. On the other hand, it was a tearful occasion as the Argentina legend played one final game for his country.

It turns out it was bittersweet for Benin too. The African nation had the privilege of being Messi’s opponent for his last outing on the international stage. However, it appears as though they were not particularly well treated on the day.

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has since spoken out on the matter, making some damning claims which don’t exactly paint the Argentines in the best light.

Gernot Rohr Claims Argentina Stars Ignored Benin Squad

Reuters/Rodrigo Valle

Messi said farewell to Argentina with a performance typical of his dazzling career. He picked up two assists and then scored in the 3-0 win as the 39-year-old showed his class right up until the end.

The occasion was marked with moments in which the football icon was celebrated. In the 10th minute, for example, the crowd applauded the Argentine No.10, as players shook his hand, and fireworks accompanied the tribute.

However, Benin manager Rohr has now spoken to the press, lamenting the treatment of his squad. Speaking to RMC Sport, he explained how the Argentines hardly wanted to engage with his team:

“My players tried everything, but nothing worked.”

Rohr claimed it was an “extraordinary experience” for his players but believed they could have been acknowledged more by their opponents, noting:

He added: “We wanted to exchange jerseys, but we didn’t get a single one. They wouldn’t even let us into their tunnel. Security was turning everyone away. Some players were even bringing their jerseys to exchange with other (Argentine) players. We tried everything, but it was no use.

“I managed to give my 2018 Messi jersey (which the Argentinian star had signed for me after a match against Nigeria at the World Cup) to the coach (Lionel Scaloni). He had me sign it and then gave it back to me. I waited half an hour, but it’s not a big deal.”

Argentina FA Also Draws Criticism After Messi’s Final Game

REUTERS/Rodrigo Valle

That wasn’t the only controversy from the game. Argentina fans were left fuming with the President of the AFA, Claudio Fabian Tapia, after he organised a drone to celebrate Messi’s career.

Amid the display, an advert for Sancor Seguras, an insurance company based in Argentina, was tastelessly shown for everyone to see, sparking much anger online.

Despite that, there was still plenty for Messi fans to cherish. He notably gave a lengthy and emotional speech after the game, thanking everyone for their support over the years:

“Throughout all these years, wherever we played in the world, the stadiums were always full of Argentinians. No matter the match or the distance, people made an enormous effort to be there. We know how difficult that is. Wherever we went in the world, it felt like we were playing at home because we could always feel your support,” Messi said, before concluding:

“There are so many emotions going through me right now. I’m surely forgetting many things I would like to say because this is a very difficult moment for me. The first person who comes to my mind is my dad.

“I’m going to miss playing here so much. I love you all, and I’m proud to be Argentine.