With Messi, Benin players leave without shirt or photo, Rohr laments
Benin coach Gernot Rohr expressed his disappointment after Lionel Messi's farewell match with Argentina, saying his players received neither a shirt nor a photo, according to several Dutch media outlets.
Benin's head coach, Gernot Rohr, expressed his bitterness after the friendly match played against Argentina, on the occasion of Lionel Messi's last international match. According to several Dutch media outlets, including De Telegraaf and the AD, the Beninese players reportedly left disappointed, having obtained neither a shirt nor a souvenir photo from the Argentine star.
A disappointment despite the honour
Gernot Rohr, who described this match as an honour for his side, nevertheless kept a bitter taste. According to Voetbal International, the German coach was surprised by the attitude of the Argentines: "They gave nothing to our players," he reported. The daily AD quotes the Beninese coach referring to a "dark stain" on an evening meant to be festive.
Frustrated players
The Benin players, who had hoped to leave with a souvenir of Lionel Messi, were disappointed. De Telegraaf specifies that they wanted photos but got nothing. This frustration contrasts with the general atmosphere of the match, dedicated to the international career of the Argentine forward.
A growing controversy
Gernot Rohr's comments, reported by Soccernews, have been widely picked up in the Netherlands. The coach expressed his surprise at this lack of consideration towards his players, especially since this match was meant to be a moment of celebration. No official reaction from the Argentine Football Association or Lionel Messi has been reported in the sources consulted.
