Lionel Messi has retired from international football after Argentina's 3-0 friendly win over Benin in the early hours of Wednesday morning, but the 39-year-old Inter Miami star faced accusations on social media after the match.
Messi scored once and provided two assists in his final appearance for La Albiceleste at the Estadio Monumental. The Ballon d'Or winner was branded a 'disgrace' by rival fans after footage appeared to show him snubbing Benin players who sought selfies with him following the victory.
Social media backlash
Footage seemingly showed players from the West African nation surrounding the forward, with one attempting to grab a selfie as Messi made his way to savour the adulation one last time. Messi appeared visibly confused and irritated, exchanging words with the player while brushing off the request.
Rival supporters were swift to highlight Messi's dismissive attitude. One tweeted: "The poor players from Benin just wanted to take a photo with Messi and, well... (mouth zipped emoji)." Another replied: "The biggest lie in football, what a disgrace."
The ESPN FC account posted: "One Benin player taking a selfie with Messi while a couple others argue over who gets his shirt." One user commented: "No matter how you twist everything, Messi was clearly refusing to take selfie with him." Others mocked the notion of Messi being regarded as the most 'humble' figure in football following the episode.
Emotional farewell
Some rallied to Messi's defence, arguing he simply wished to savour his final moment on the international stage alongside his team-mates. Footage captured after the match showed Messi being escorted from the stadium by a security detail.
Messi had confirmed his international retirement on 31 August, just weeks after the passing of his father. He remains Argentina's all-time record goal scorer and most-capped player, having netted 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national side.
His career spanned six World Cups, with Messi captaining Argentina throughout the majority of them. He announced his retirement in 2016 after leading his nation to three successive finals without lifting the trophy, yet a change of heart saw him return, where he finally claimed the World Cup in 2022.
In the aftermath of the match, Messi delivered an emotional speech that reduced Enzo Fernandez and his team-mates to tears. Speaking on the pitch, he said: "It's hard to say anything today; there are so many emotions, so many things are going through my mind.
"The first thing I think of is my dad. All I can do is express my gratitude, as I said in my farewell letter. It was a great honour to wear this jersey for over 20 years.
"Even in the worst moments we've faced, I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all, and never stopped being there.
"Not coming back is going to be a huge pain. I swear I'd like to come back for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentine National Team is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.
"The truth is, I'm talking more than ever. I don't want to leave, I don't want to leave the field. I just want to tell you that I love you all, I'm going to miss you, and I'm so grateful to God for being Argentinian, proud to be Argentinian, and proud to have fulfilled my dreams with all of you. Thank you so much, I love you all."
