Benin coach criticizes Argentina players’ conduct after Messi farewell

Benin assistant coach Tunde Adelakun criticized the opposing team’s conduct after Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina. Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly.

Writing on his personal website, Adelakun said Argentina’s players avoided interacting with the Benin team after the final whistle and that the handshakes were hurried and formal. He said security staff prevented Benin players from approaching Messi.

The Benin coach said the young players had wanted to meet Messi, take photos with him and shake his hand. According to Adelakun, security staff also moved Benin players away when they tried to stand in the guard of honor for the Argentine players.

Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute. Nicolas Paz extended Argentina’s lead in the 61st minute, and Messi sealed the result in the 71st. Messi scored once and provided two assists.