The Benin Football Federation has reportedly expressed its fury over the alleged ill-treatment of its players and coaching staff during their encounter with Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday, in what was described as Lionel Messi’s farewell game for the Argentina national team in Buenos Aires.
A video circulating online appeared to show Messi refusing to take photographs with players from the visiting African nation. After the game, the Benin delegation were reportedly blocked from exchanging shirts, taking photographs and receiving financial compensation despite featuring in the high-profile exhibition match.
According to investigative journalist Romain Molina, who shared the claims on his X account, the Benin delegation faced what he described as disrespectful treatment following the encounter. He claimed the players were denied jersey exchanges and photographs and were prevented from entering Argentina’s corridor.
“The ‘respect’ from the Argentine Federation (and the players) toward Benin: no bonuses, not a single centime returned from the generated revenue, no jerseys exchanged, not one photo, and banned from entering the Argentine corridor!
Everything goes to do business on the backs of those treated like mere props.”
The atmosphere surrounding the visitors reportedly worsened after the final whistle, with frustration mounting over their treatment throughout the trip.
Concerns had already been raised about the travel experience and accommodation in Buenos Aires, while reports also claimed that the African team received no payment from the sold-out fixture. The combination of these issues reportedly left players and officials unhappy, turning what was expected to be a memorable football occasion into a disappointing experience, despite Argentina cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory.
