Benin’s national football team has reportedly expressed disappointment over its treatment following the international friendly against Argentina, which also served as Lionel Messi’s farewell appearance for the national team.
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026. The match attracted significant attention as Messi brought his international career to a close in front of a large home crowd.
However, the celebrations were followed by claims that members of the visiting Benin delegation were unable to exchange jerseys or take photographs with Argentina’s players. Reports also alleged that the visitors were prevented from entering areas around the Argentine dressing room after the final whistle.
Investigative journalist Romain Molina raised the allegations in a post on social media, claiming that Benin received no bonus payment or share of the revenue generated by the event. He also criticised the reported restrictions on player interactions, arguing that the visiting team had been treated as part of the spectacle rather than as an equal participant.
Benin head coach Gernot Rohr separately described the post-match experience as difficult. Speaking on French radio, he said his players had tried to exchange shirts and take photographs but were unsuccessful because security personnel would not allow them into the relevant areas.
Rohr said the Benin delegation had also prepared a bouquet in the country’s national colours as a gesture for the occasion. He explained that he was able to give Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni a shirt from Messi’s 2018 collection, which was signed by the Argentine captain and returned to him.
The allegations have drawn attention to the organisation of high-profile international friendlies, particularly when visiting teams travel long distances to participate in matches built around major celebrations or commercial events.
Despite the reported disappointment off the pitch, the fixture provided Benin with an opportunity to face the reigning world champions. Argentina secured the win with goals from Nicolás Otamendi, Nico Paz and Messi.
The specific claims about revenue sharing and the arrangements made by the organisers have not been independently confirmed in the reports reviewed. No response from the Argentine Football Association addressing those particular allegations was identified in the available coverage.
The episode has therefore left questions about the visiting team’s experience surrounding Messi’s farewell, although the reported restrictions and financial arrangements should be treated as allegations until further details are established.