Lionel Messi Farewell Controversy: Argentine Football Association Under Fire Over Treatment of Benin
Lionel Messi's international farewell match for Argentina against Benin on October 6, 2026, has sparked widespread controversy. Journalist Romain Molina and Benin coach Gernot Rohr allege shocking treatment, including denied bonus payments, match revenue, photos with Argentine stars, and jersey exchanges for the African team.
A dark cloud has overshadowed Lionel Messi's emotional international farewell, with allegations emerging of appalling treatment meted out to the Benin national team by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) during the friendly match earlier this week. The 'Last Tango' fixture, held to celebrate Messi's storied career, has instead ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Benin players reportedly treated as mere props and denied basic courtesies. Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Emotional Tribute to Longtime Rival Lionel Messi Following International Retirement.
The Farewell Match
The highly anticipated friendly, billed as Lionel Messi's final appearance for Argentina, took place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires. The match saw Argentina defeat Benin 3-0. Messi, aged 39, marked his swansong with a memorable performance, assisting Nicolas Otamendi's opener in the 48th minute and Nico Paz's goal in the 61st, before converting a penalty himself in the 71st minute to seal the victory. Over 85,000 fans packed the stadium for the occasion, witnessing the end of an era for La Albiceleste.
Allegations of Disrespect
However, the celebratory atmosphere quickly soured following revelations from investigative journalist Romain Molina and statements from Benin coach Gernot Rohr. Molina took to X (formerly Twitter) to expose a series of damaging claims, alleging that the Beninese delegation received no bonus payments and were denied any portion of the revenue generated from the sold-out fixture.
Compounding the financial grievances, Molina and Rohr highlighted the post-match snub. Benin players were reportedly denied the chance to take photographs with their Argentine counterparts, including Messi, and were barred from entering the Argentine team's corridor or dressing room area after the game. Furthermore, customary jersey exchanges, a staple of international football, were reportedly blocked.
Benin's coach, Gernot Rohr, expressed his frustration vehemently to RMC Sport: "My players tried everything, but nothing worked. The Argentinians didn't give our players anything, not even a photo with Messi. We wanted to exchange shirts, but we didn't get any. They wouldn't even allow us to enter their player corridor. Security was turning everyone away. Players were coming with their shirts hoping to swap them with Argentina players". Rohr further described his team's treatment as being used as "mere props" for Argentina's celebration. Lionel Messi’s Wife Antonela Roccuzzo Pays Emotional Farewell Tribute.
Gernot Rohr Slams AFA
🇧🇯 Gernot Rohr, entrenador de Benín, sobre la despedida de Lionel Messi:
“El único punto negativo es que LOS JUGADORES ARGENTINOS NO NOS DIERON NADA. Ni una foto con Messi, ni camisetas. Ni siquiera nos dejaron entrar al túnel y al vestuario.
La seguridad se negó a dejarnos entrar. Lo intentamos todo, pero no conseguimos nada.”
[@Rothensenflamme]
— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) October 8, 2026
Prior to the match, Benin's captain had respectfully presented Messi with a statue-like trophy and a letter from the squad, a gesture that now starkly contrasts with the alleged post-match cold shoulder.
Unanswered Questions
The controversy extends beyond the matchday events, with earlier reports indicating dissatisfaction within the Benin camp regarding poor travel and hotel arrangements in Buenos Aires, including a grueling 25-hour journey and issues with their accommodation, such as a lack of hot water on one floor.
As of yet, neither the Argentine Football Association nor the Beninese football authorities have issued public statements addressing these serious allegations. Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport even suggest that Messi himself was initially "not keen" on playing a farewell match, viewing it as a "final money-making venture by the AFA". Lionel Messi Calls Argentina Farewell His ‘Saddest Day’ After Final Match Against Benin.
The revelations cast a shadow over what was intended to be a joyous send-off for one of football's greatest legends, leaving many questioning the conduct of the host nation during such a high-profile event.
This unfolding controversy has undoubtedly tarnished the celebratory spirit of Lionel Messi's international farewell, raising serious questions about the respect and fair treatment afforded to visiting teams in such high-profile fixtures.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2026 10:39 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
