According to Goal.com, Lionel Messi declined to take a selfie with Benin national team players after a match, sparking controversy and prompting some social media users to accuse him of racism.

On Wednesday morning, Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at Estadio Monumental. After the final whistle, Lionel Messi greeted the Benin players, intending to spend his final moments in international football on the pitch. An excited Benin player tried to persuade Messi to take a selfie together, but the 39-year-old declined and walked away.

During the match, Messi showed no disrespect toward the Benin players. The match was paused at the 10-minute mark while fans gave Messi a warm round of applause. Messi also embraced players and exchanged greetings with them.

Some social media users harshly criticized the selfie incident, saying Messi's behavior lacked humility and suggesting that he could have taken a few seconds to pose with the Benin players, considering it was a farewell friendly match.

A controversial Mexican account called "La Catrina Norteña" reposted the video, stating: "Lionel Messi refused to take a photo with African players at his retirement ceremony. He brushed aside the Benin player who asked for a selfie and walked past..."

The tweet generated mixed reactions. Some agreed with this sentiment and accused Messi of racism, while others saw nothing wrong with the incident. The account "Universador" commented: "Even in his final career moment? Is Lionel Messi self-centered, arrogant, and racist? That's what it seems like." The account "RHV" also stated: "He's a racist, I've known it all along."

However, the account "menduca61" pushed back: "Someone should have told the Benin players that the performance had already started and photos could be taken later, so they shouldn't approach Messi. Understand the situation before criticizing, you fools." The account "Luis Linares" wrote: "You all have emotional trauma about Messi... Your propaganda against him is extremely biased and malicious, completely ignoring the facts."

AI翻訳。

AFのPCサイトが新登場！パソコンでニュース、コメント、試合詳細、詳細データをご覧いただけます。アクセス：www.allfootballapp.com