Watch: Messi rejects selfie request from Benin player in retirement match
Dubai: Lionel Messi’s retirement moment with Argentina was interrupted when a Benin player persistently approached the 39-year-old for a selfie, forcing Messi to push him away. Messi scored once and provided two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in what marked his final appearance for the national team after 21 years. Widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history,…
During Argentina's retirement match against Benin, Lionel Messi's final appearance for the national team, a Benin player persistently sought a selfie with the football superstar. The 39-year-old Messi had scored once and provided two assists in the 3-0 victory, marking his 21-year career with Argentina. Despite the excitement generated by Messi's presence, one Benin player's behavior was deemed inappropriate.
After the final whistle, Messi attempted to comfort his teammates as he bid farewell to the Argentina jersey, but the persistent Benin fan persisted. Fortunately, teammate Amiro Amadou intervened, encouraging the Benin player to respect Messi's space. Messi, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd, acknowledging the significance of the occasion and the loss of his father, who had been present for most of his career but missed the final game.
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