Omanghana
Benin assistant coach Tunde Adelakun has accused Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates of showing insufficient respect to the visiting side following their international friendly in Buenos Aires.
Argentina won the October 6 encounter 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental, with Messi scoring a penalty in a match billed as his international farewell.
However, Adelakun said the occasion ended in disappointment for Benin’s players, who had hoped to share a moment with the Argentine captain after the final whistle.
In comments reported on Monday, October 12, he described the post-match exchanges as distant and unwelcoming.
“Handshakes at the end of the game were hurried and impersonal,” Adelakun said, alleging that Argentina’s players appeared unwilling to engage with their opponents.
The assistant coach also criticized stadium security personnel, claiming they intervened aggressively when Benin’s players attempted to approach Messi.
According to his account, the visitors had gathered to form a guard of honor and applaud the forward, but security officers dispersed the group before the gesture could take place.
Adelakun further alleged that Messi changed direction during his lap of honor, moving towards the center of the pitch instead of approaching the waiting Benin players.
He said the experience was particularly disappointing because the squad had endured a lengthy journey to participate and held Messi in high regard. Their pride in joining the occasion, he explained, gave way to frustration over the treatment they received.
Adelakun maintained that mutual respect should remain central to football, regardless of the profile of the teams involved. The reports cited did not include a response from Messi, Argentina’s team officials or stadium security representatives.
Source: Omanghana
