Gernot Rohr criticises Argentina over treatment during Messi farewell match

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has voiced strong dissatisfaction regarding the treatment his team received during an international friendly against Argentina. The match, which took place on October 6, 2026, was a high-profile occasion marking the farewell game of Argentine legend Lionel Messi. While the event was designed to celebrate Messi's illustrious international career, Rohr indicated that the experience for the Beninese delegation was marred by "poor treatment" from the host nation.

On the field, Argentina secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Benin, with Lionel Messi delivering a performance befitting the occasion. The veteran forward was involved in every goal, scoring once and providing two assists to lead his side to a comfortable win. Despite the competitive nature of the fixture, the focus in the aftermath has shifted toward the logistical and hospitality concerns raised by the Benin technical team.

Rohr’s frustrations highlight potential lapses in the protocols expected for visiting national teams during major international assignments. Although the specific nature of the grievances was not fully detailed, the public nature of the coach's criticism suggests that the conditions provided for the Cheetahs did not meet the standards required for such a prestigious match. The contrast between the celebratory atmosphere in Argentina and the complaints from the Benin camp has sparked discussions regarding the hosting obligations of national associations.

As the football community reflects on Messi’s final contribution to the Argentine national team, the allegations of mistreatment provide a sobering counter-narrative to the festivities. For Benin, the match served as a significant test against the world champions, but the off-field issues have clearly left a negative impression on the squad and its management. There has been no immediate official response from the Argentine Football Association regarding Rohr's comments.