The 'I'll stop' on Messi's farewell match: the management of the

Why it matters

Lionel Messi's farewell match with the Argentine national team represents a crucial moment in the history of football, not only for the player but also for the fans. However, the controversy over the management of Benin raises questions about the responsibility of the federations in ensuring adequate conditions for opposing teams. This event, which should celebrate Messi's career, risks being overshadowed by criticism of the lack of respect towards Benin.

Context

Lionel Messi, considered one of the best footballers of all time, is about to close an important chapter in his career with the Argentine national team. His final match, against Benin, is seen as an opportunity to reflect on his impact on football and his journey, culminating in winning the World Cup in 2022.

Key points

  • The 'I stop' on Messi's farewell match: the management of.
  • Lionel Messi prepares for his last match with the Argentine national team, but his management of the match against Benin raises controversy regarding the conditions in which the opposing team was treated.
  • Het 'smetje' op afscheidsduel Messi: de behandeling van tegenstander Benin.
On the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, Lionel Messi will have his big farewell match with the Argentina national team. It will undoubtedly be a spectacular event, a moment that fans await with trepidation. However, as reported by The Guardian, there would be a small 'I stop' that overshadows this celebration: the management of the opposing team, Benin.

Messi will take the field against Benin for the last time wearing the Argentina shirt. The star, world champion in 2022, deserves a farewell worthy of his talent and career, but the choice to face a team like Benin, currently in 93rd place in the FIFA rankings, raises questions. Why not a more prestigious opponent? The Guardian offers an explanation: Argentina has often faced African teams in recent years, and five of the last ten friendlies have been against opponents from that continent. This is because African national teams are willing to play for very low fees.

The situation for Benin, however, was not the best. Despite the importance of the match, the Argentine federation failed to organize a charter flight for the opposing team, forcing Benin to take various commercial flights to get to Buenos Aires. This trip lasted approximately 25 hours and saw one of the team's video analysts pass out due to exhaustion.

Image

Furthermore, the Benin team stayed in a hotel in precarious conditions. Several rooms had no hot water, the sauna was out of order, and the small gym available was inadequate for the athletes' needs. Benin, despite everything, cannot complain too much, as they will have the unique opportunity to participate in Messi's farewell.

However, the management of this meeting is not an isolated case. Recently, Burkina Faso had been chosen as the opponent for another friendly match, but due to flight delays, the team decided not to travel, sending only one player so as not to miss the match, which culminated in a 7-0 defeat against Argentina.

This situation raises questions about the correctness of friendly organizing practices, especially when dealing with lesser-known opponents or those with limited resources. Messi's farewell match, while a huge event, highlights the disparities in the world of football and the need for fairer treatment for all teams, regardless of their position in the world rankings.

What happens now

With Messi taking to the field against Benin, the event is expected to attract the attention of media and fans. However, criticism of the opponent's choice could influence the atmosphere of the match. In the future, there may be greater pressure on the Argentine federation to organize friendlies against more prestigious teams, in order to properly honor great players like Messi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in Messi's farewell match?

Lionel Messi will play his farewell match with the Argentine national team against Benin.

Who confirmed the management of the opposing team Benin?

The situation was reported by The Guardian.

Why does Argentina play against Benin?

Argentina has often faced African teams for economic reasons, as they are willing to play for very low fees.

What changes are there in the management of Benin?

The Argentine federation did not organize a charter flight to Benin, forcing the team to travel on commercial flights.

What are the accommodation conditions for Benin?

The Benin team stayed in a hotel with precarious conditions, without hot water in several rooms and with inadequate facilities.

Related Articles

Related Articles