Benin head coach Gernot Rohr expressed disappointment with the treatment his players received following Lionel Messi's farewell match with Argentina. The match took place at a packed Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, where Argentina defeated Benin 3-0. Rohr claimed that his players were unable to secure photos or exchange shirts with their opponents after the final whistle. The German coach stated that his squad had hoped to take home souvenirs from a night that carried unusual significance beyond the result.
Lionel Messi's farewell match was an emotional night attended by more than 85,000 supporters. The 39-year-old scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists during the match. Rohr said his players had hoped to leave with shirts and photos, but their attempts were unsuccessful. He mentioned that security restrictions prevented Benin's players from approaching the Argentine dressing room, despite several of them hoping to exchange shirts.
Rohr did manage to secure one personal souvenir. He said he passed an Argentina shirt from 2018 to Lionel Scaloni, who arranged for Messi to sign it before returning it to him. This small gesture was a positive note for Rohr, who described playing at the Monumental on Messi's farewell night as a memorable opportunity for his younger players.
Benin had travelled to Argentina during the October international window with Rohr already acknowledging the unusual circumstances surrounding the match. Before kickoff, he said his team intended to compete despite the occasion being centered heavily on Messi's goodbye. The match itself had been a positive experience for Benin, describing it as an opportunity his players were unlikely to forget.
Despite leaving Buenos Aires without the souvenirs they had hoped for, Rohr maintained that the frustration did not overshadow Benin's overall experience. He described the match as a valuable experience for his team, especially the younger players. The team was able to play against one of the best teams in the world and gain valuable experience.
Messi finished his Argentina career with 208 appearances and 126 goals across 21 years. His final night also included assists for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz before he converted Argentina's third from the penalty spot. The match was a fitting tribute to Messi's illustrious career, and Benin's players were honored to be a part of it.
The match was a significant event for both teams, and Rohr was grateful for the opportunity to play against Argentina on such a special night. While his players may not have gotten the souvenirs they wanted, they gained a valuable experience that they will not soon forget. The match was a testament to the respect and admiration that Messi has earned throughout his career.
Key points
- Benin head coach Gernot Rohr criticizes Argentina for not allowing his players to exchange shirts or take photos with Lionel Messi after his farewell match.
- Lionel Messi's farewell match was an emotional night attended by more than 85,000 supporters, where Argentina defeated Benin 3-0.
- Despite the disappointment, Rohr described the match as a valuable experience for his team, especially the younger players.
