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Lionel Messi's international farewell marred by Benin accusations
Lionel Messi’s final international match has been overshadowed by accusations of disrespect from the Benin national team. Following Argentina’s 3-0 victory in Buenos Aires on October 6, Benin’s assistant coach, Tunde Adelakun, criticized the conduct of the Argentine players and security staff.
Adelakun, writing for The African Football Club, claimed that the Argentina players showed little interest in acknowledging their opponents during post-match handshakes. He further alleged that security personnel repeatedly blocked Benin players from approaching Messi to offer congratulations or take photographs.
Additional controversy arose during Messi’s lap of honor. Adelakun stated that while Benin players gathered to applaud the legend, Messi appeared to make a deliberate detour to avoid the group, walking toward the center of the pitch instead. The coach described the experience as a disappointment for the visiting players who had long idolized the Argentine captain.
Entities
Argentina national football team · Benin national football team · Buenos Aires · Lionel Messi · Tunde Adelakun
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Argentina players showed little interest in acknowledging their opponents after the final whistle. todoespolitica.com.ar · www.realitytea.com · theblast.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The match marked the end of Lionel Messi’s 21-year international career. todoespolitica.com.ar · www.realitytea.com · theblast.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Security personnel repeatedly prevented Benin players from approaching Messi for photographs or congratulations. todoespolitica.com.ar · www.realitytea.com · theblast.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Benin assistant coach Tunde Adelakun accused the Argentina team of showing disrespect to Benin players. todoespolitica.com.ar · www.realitytea.com · theblast.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires on October 6. todoespolitica.com.ar · theblast.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Messi appeared to change direction to avoid a group of Benin players during his lap of honor. todoespolitica.com.ar · www.realitytea.com · theblast.com