Argentina friendlies no fairy tale for African footballers
ABIDJAN: When Benin and Burkina Faso flew to Buenos Aires for friendlies against Argentina – including superstar Lionel Messi’s swansong– it would have seemed like dreamland for players who rarely if ever rub shoulders with the aristocrats of the ‘Beautiful Game’.
African footballers found friendlies against Argentina less than idyllic. Benin and Burkina Faso traveled to Buenos Aires for matches featuring Argentina star Lionel Messi, but faced numerous issues. Flight times were extended, lacking hot water in their hotel, and training facilities were inadequate. Moreover, the African football associations involved did not receive any revenue from the matches, which reportedly generated millions.
Before the game, the Beninese press anticipated the team's chance to shine globally, with Benin defender Mohamed Tijani expressing his admiration for Messi. However, the Cheetahs were defeated 3-0, highlighting the lack of proper organization. Burkina Faso's journey to the match was even more chaotic, with the team stranded in Morocco due to a cancelled flight, resulting in an under-23 team being used.
This disappointment led to Burkina's military leader threatening to make significant changes to remedy the situation. With Burkina's next international window approaching, the federation warned of potential more regrettable consequences if issues persist. As for the AFA, it faces financial difficulties and a money laundering investigation, with its president, Claudio Tapia, suspected of tax evasion.
Meanwhile, Argentina's top teams have also played lower-ranked African nations, pocketing significant revenues. Despite the controversy, the Argentine Football Association stated they had honored their contractual commitments, declining further comment.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
