Gernot Rohr criticises Argentina after Benin players denied photos with Messi

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed disappointment with the treatment of his players after their international friendly against Argentina, claiming they were prevented from taking photographs with Lionel Messi and exchanging shirts with the world champions following the Argentine captain’s farewell appearance.

Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, as Messi brought his 21-year international career to an emotional close in front of a packed home crowd.

However, the post-match celebrations left Rohr frustrated after members of his squad were reportedly unable to meet the Argentine players because of security restrictions.

Rohr says Benin players were denied access

Speaking on French radio programme Rothen s’enflamme on RMC, Rohr said his players had tried to approach Messi and other members of the Argentina squad after the final whistle but were stopped by security personnel.

“The only shame is that the Argentines gave us nothing. No photo with Messi, no shirt,” Rohr said.

The former Nigeria manager added that Benin’s players were not allowed into the tunnel or dressing-room area, despite attempts to arrange meetings and shirt exchanges.

According to Rohr, some Argentine players had been willing to exchange shirts, but security restrictions prevented the interactions from taking place.

Benin’s bouquet of flowers failed to reach Messi

Rohr also revealed that the Benin delegation had prepared a bouquet of flowers in the country’s national colours — yellow, red and green — as a gesture for Messi.

The attempt to present the gift did not result in a meeting with the Argentine star.

Rohr did, however, manage to obtain a signed Messi shirt through Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni.

The German coach explained that he handed Scaloni a shirt Messi had worn in 2018 and received it back with the Argentine captain’s signature.

The shirt held particular significance because Rohr was Nigeria’s head coach when the Super Eagles faced Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Messi signs off with goal and two assists

While the post-match situation overshadowed Benin’s efforts to meet the Argentine players, the match itself was a landmark occasion for Messi.

The 39-year-old delivered a goal and two assists as Argentina secured a 3-0 victory in his final appearance for the national team.

Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring before Messi set up Nico Paz for the second goal. He then converted a penalty to complete the win.

The occasion brought an emotional end to Messi’s 21-year international career, during which he became Argentina’s record appearance holder and leading goalscorer.

Rohr acknowledges significance of the occasion

Despite his criticism of the post-match arrangements, Rohr recognised the significance of taking his young Benin squad to face Argentina during such a historic occasion.

For Benin, the fixture offered an opportunity to test themselves against the reigning world champions while witnessing the farewell of one of football’s most celebrated players.

Rohr’s comments, however, have raised questions about the arrangements for post-match interactions between the two teams, particularly when players had hoped to exchange shirts and commemorate Messi’s final appearance for Argentina.