Less than a week after Messi's final match for Argentina against Benin, Benin's assistant coach Tunde Adelakun spoke out in a lengthy blog post on Monday. He specifically criticized Argentina's lack of respect toward the African team, which was hastily invited to play in the testimonial match.

It was a significant historic moment, but it left a bitter taste for the Benin team. Last week, they faced Argentina, bolstered by Messi in his final match, experiencing a special evening at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Head coach Gernot Rohr previously stated on RMC that his players felt honored to be part of the grand testimonial, but they were also disappointed because they couldn't get close to the legendary player to take photos or request a jersey.

On Monday, assistant coach Tunde Adelakun expressed his frustration in a lengthy blog post published on "The African Football Club." First, the hastily arranged journey was not easy. "The travel... 13 hours from Paris to Buenos Aires, not counting the initial 6 hours from Abidjan to Paris and transit time. We were on the road all day to play this match, and we traveled in three separate groups," he recalled.

A "Quite Concerning" Situation

Regarding the match itself, Tunde Adelakun considered it "significant in every way," and he specifically mentioned that the entire team was proud to say goodbye to the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. However, after the final whistle, the atmosphere changed. "What shocked me most was that the Argentina team clearly refused any contact with my team after the match," he complained. "The handshakes after the match were rushed and emotionless. Our players tried to approach the people they had traveled so far to celebrate, but security guards pushed them away quite forcefully. It was clear they didn't want to be in the same space as the Benin team. It was quite concerning."

He continued: "When they lined up to pay their respects to him, someone suggested that our team should also form a line to applaud as he passed. Security quickly dispersed the small group of players with shocking speed; it looked as though my players were a group of troublemakers!"

The assistant coach then recounted an incident he called "the final blow." During the lap of honor, the Benin players stood along Messi's route, but Messi appeared to turn toward the center circle before reaching them. "This was another blow to someone who is greatly admired and almost revered in the hearts of many African youth," he lamented. He concluded: "Respect must be mutual. In football, we respect one another."

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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