Benin Coach Gernot Rohr Denies Dispute With Argentina After Farewell Match Security Issues
Following a tense 3-0 friendly defeat that marked Lionel Messi’s international farewell with Argentina, Benin head coach Gernot Rohr clarified to Masrawy that no genuine crisis exists between the two national squads. The 39-year-old superstar scored from the penalty spot during the Tuesday encounter in front of more than 85,000 spectators at a packed venue, where play paused in the tenth minute to honor his iconic jersey number. Despite initial reports from RMC Sport highlighting frustration over restricted access and a lack of souvenir memorabilia, Rohr emphasized that the friction stemmed entirely from heavy security protocols rather than any hostility from the Albiceleste delegation.
Gernot Rohr, the head coach of the Benin national football team, has expressed strong discontent with Argentina regarding the treatment his team received during a friendly match, according to https://t.co/FBHlOukTHg.The match, which ended with a 3-0 victory for Argentina in… pic.twitter.com/eqHSVFEhEI
Rohr explained that treatment from both the Argentine public and tournament organizers remained exceptionally hospitable before and during the match. “The truth is that we received very good treatment, and it was even friendly before and during the match,” Rohr told Masrawy. Complications arose only after the final whistle when players attempted to secure shirts and photographs. “Only after the match were we unable to go to the other players and exchange shirts. My players wanted to swap jerseys, but we couldn’t because of heavy security measures. Everything was locked down, and that is the only thing that happened.”
Security Lockdown Restricts Post-Match Jersey Swaps and Locker Room Access
Strict perimeter controls enforced by venue security prevented the Benin squad from entering the player tunnel or reaching the dressing room corridors. Rohr noted that officers barred all outside access, leaving visiting players stranded in the hallway holding their match shirts in vain. “Perhaps the only point that could have been better was that the security was too tight. We could not enter the dressing room and exchange shirts ourselves,” Rohr said. To salvage some memorabilia for his squad, the Benin manager intervened personally, approaching Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. “I even saw Scaloni, and I gave him three shirts for Messi to sign, and then he gave them back to me half an hour later,” Rohr added.
Reflecting on the broader atmosphere of the evening, Rohr insisted that bitterness has given way to lasting positive impressions within his camp. “Everything is fine, and there is nothing negative at all. On the contrary, we have only positive memories and beautiful souvenirs in our minds and hearts,” he stated to Masrawy, adding that the squad harbors no resentment despite missing out on direct post-match exchanges. Al-Arabiya corroborated that Benin players expressed initial frustration after failing to secure photographs or clothing with Messi directly following the final whistle, underscoring the contrast between the rigid post-match lockdown and the warm reception experienced beforehand.
Tactical Approach and Empathy During Messi’s Final International Appearance
Addressing the historic nature of the fixture, Rohr expressed professional sadness regarding Messi’s retirement from international duty after a remarkable 20-year career spanning 208 international appearances and 126 goals for Argentina. “Of course, it is very sad for football, but he is 39 years old, and it is already wonderful to play more than 20 years at this high level,” Rohr remarked. The Benin coach revealed that his tactical game plan consciously avoided harsh challenges or man-marking against the legendary forward out of respect for the occasion. “We were sympathetic to him. We did not make strong tackles or individual marking on him, so it was a very good match indeed, and we played very well in the first half.”
While Argentina ultimately secured the victory in the second half following a penalty converted by Messi, Rohr maintained that the final scoreline held secondary importance compared to the emotional weight of the event. Al-Btolat and Al-Balad noted that Messi’s departure concludes an era that included six total youth and senior tournament titles—including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and two Copa America triumphs—alongside five heartbreaking final defeats. As Scaloni prepares to announce a 26-man squad for an upcoming international window without their historic captain, attention across South American football shifts toward emerging talents like Como midfielder Nico Paz, whom ESPN Argentina reports is favored to inherit the iconic number 10 shirt.
