Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed disappointment with Argentina’s handling of his team after his players were denied the opportunity to meet Lionel Messi following the forward’s emotional farewell match in Buenos Aires.

Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental on October 6, 2026, in a match billed as a celebration of Messi’s remarkable international career.

The Argentine superstar marked the occasion with a goal from the penalty spot and an assist for Nicolas Otamendi, while Nico Paz also found the net as the hosts secured a comfortable victory.

However, despite the significance of the occasion, the post-match experience left Rohr and his players frustrated after their attempts to meet Messi, take photographs with him and obtain signed shirts reportedly came to nothing.

Rohr Expresses Frustration Over Denied Access

Speaking after the match, Rohr criticised the arrangements that prevented the Benin delegation from getting close to the Argentina captain.

“The only shame is that the Argentines gave us nothing. No photo with Messi, no shirt. They didn't even let us into the tunnel, nor even the dressing room. Security refused to let anyone in. We tried everything, but we got nothing,” Rohr said.

The German tactician explained that his players had hoped to mark the historic occasion by meeting one of football’s greatest figures, but their plans were thwarted by security restrictions.

For Rohr, the disappointment went beyond missing out on photographs or signed memorabilia. The occasion represented a rare opportunity for his players to share a moment with a football icon whose achievements have inspired generations across the world.

“In Benin, nobody ever thought we'd play against Argentina one day,” he added, reflecting on the significance of facing the reigning world champions.

Messi Fan Tijani Had Prepared a Special Gift

Rohr also revealed that Mohamed Tijani, one of his players and a devoted Messi admirer, had brought a gift ahead of the encounter in the hope of meeting the Argentine captain.

The Benin team had also reportedly planned to present Messi with a bouquet of flowers in the country's national colours as a gesture of appreciation for his contribution to football.

However, the delegation was unable to deliver the tribute after being denied access to the restricted areas.

“That was the only downside of the evening,” Rohr said, describing the disappointment felt by both his young players and the coaching staff.

The missed opportunity was particularly frustrating given the historic nature of the fixture and the likelihood that such an occasion would be difficult to replicate.

Rohr Had Hoped to Reconnect With Messi

The incident also carried personal significance for Rohr, who had hoped to reconnect with Messi over an Argentina shirt associated with their previous encounter.

Rohr was Nigeria's head coach when Argentina defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 in Saint Petersburg during the 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage, a result that eliminated Nigeria from the tournament.

Following that match, Messi had given Rohr an Argentina shirt, and the German coach had hoped to have the opportunity to get it signed.

The planned reunion did not materialise, adding another layer of disappointment to an evening that Rohr had expected would provide lasting memories for the Benin delegation.

Benin Arrived Ready to Compete, Not Just Celebrate

Despite the occasion being centred on Messi's farewell, Benin had made it clear before kick-off that they intended to approach the fixture as a competitive football match.

Goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou dismissed suggestions that his team had travelled to Argentina merely to enjoy the occasion.

“This is football: eleven against eleven. My role is to stop shots,” Dandjinou said.

His comments reflected Benin's determination to test themselves against elite opposition rather than become spectators at a celebration of Messi's career.

Although Argentina ultimately claimed a 3-0 victory, the fixture offered Benin an opportunity to measure themselves against one of international football's most successful teams.

Messi's Emotional Argentina Farewell

The match was presented as a major celebration of Messi's international legacy, with the Argentine Football Association promoting it as “the farewell Messi deserves.”

The occasion brought renewed attention to the career of a player who has transformed Argentina's fortunes and established himself among football's all-time greats.

Messi leaves the international stage as Argentina's record goalscorer, with 126 goals in 208 appearances, alongside the crowning achievement of winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

His international journey has included years of pressure, heartbreak and criticism before Argentina's triumph in Qatar cemented his place in the country's football history.

His farewell was therefore intended to celebrate not only his individual brilliance but also his enduring contribution to the national team.

For Benin, however, the evening ended with mixed emotions. The players had experienced the rare privilege of facing Argentina, but their hopes of meeting their idol and taking home a personal memento were left unfulfilled.

Rohr's comments have since cast a shadow over the post-match celebrations, raising questions about the arrangements for visiting players at an event of such historical significance.

While Messi's farewell was designed to create unforgettable memories, the experience for the Benin delegation was marked by a missed opportunity they had hoped to cherish for years.