Tensions have emerged following Argentina's 3-0 victory over Benin in what served as
Rohr, who previously managed Nigeria, stated that his players were unable to exchange shirts or even secure photographs with the Argentina captain. The veteran coach expressed his disappointment, suggesting that the experience for his squad was marred by the lack of interaction from the three-time world champions.
Allegations of Restricted Access and Unmet Requests
According to Rohr, the atmosphere surrounding the match was strictly controlled, preventing any meaningful engagement between the two sides. The manager noted that security personnel actively turned away Benin players who had hoped to swap jerseys with their counterparts. He described a situation where his team was barred from entering the player corridor, effectively cutting off any opportunity for the traditional post-match exchanges common in
The 73-year-old manager further detailed his own struggle to secure a memento from the occasion. Rohr revealed that he was forced to wait for 30 minutes after the final whistle before Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni eventually signed an old, match-worn Messi shirt that Rohr had brought with him. He lamented that despite his players' efforts to engage, the Argentina squad remained largely inaccessible throughout the evening.
Match Performance and Farewell Atmosphere
On the pitch, the contest remained competitive during the first half, which concluded without a goal. However, the momentum shifted shortly after the interval. In the 48th minute, Messi orchestrated the opening goal by setting up Nicolas Otamendi, who successfully broke the deadlock for the hosts.
Messi continued to influence the proceedings, providing the assist for Nico Paz, who extended Argentina's lead with a precise curling strike. The captain then capped his own performance and his international career by converting a penalty to secure a 3-0 victory. Following the final whistle, the stadium erupted in celebration as Messi shared an emotional embrace with his teammates, marking the end of a transformative era for Argentine football.
