Benin’s coaching staff accuses Argentina of disrespect during Lionel Messi’s farewell

In his account for The African Football Club, Benin assistant coach Tunde Adelakun described what he considered a disappointing experience at Lionel Messi’s farewell match. Adelakun claimed Argentina players showed little interest in their opponents and said that the post-match handshakes were rushed.

Adelakun said the security personnel repeatedly prevented Benin players from reaching out to Messi for photographs or to congratulate him. He added that many players idolized Lionel Messi and wanted to meet him. However, they were blocked from reaching out. Security’s behavior frustrated them, leaving visitors unhappy after the farewell match. (via The Blast)

While discussing the lap of honor, he said, “Boys were there. Just wanting him to walk towards them and for them to applaud and appreciate him. Right at the very last moment, Leo made a wild detour and, consciously avoiding the crowd of Benin players that had formed, walked toward the centre of the pitch.”

“That was a new low for a man revered by many and who, in many young African minds, could do no wrong,” the coach said.

He questioned whether England or Spain players would be treated the same way in similar circumstances. He added, “Would they have been treated the way Benin was treated? If Benin was so distasteful to them in such a way, why did they agree to share a pitch with them for 90 minutes? Not a single word of acknowledgment of the opposition that made the game possible.”

Adelakun concluded that respect should be mutual. The accusations came after Lionel Messi’s emotional farewell match as he ended his 21-year international career at the Monumental Stadium. He scored 1 penalty goal and provided 2 assists during his farewell match against the Benin national football team.

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