Argentina accused of disrespecting Benin after international friendly

Benin have reportedly been left frustrated by what has been described as a lack of respect from the Argentine Football Association and Argentina’s players following their recent international encounter.

According to multiple reports, Benin did not receive any appearance bonuses or a share of the revenue generated from the fixture, while the two teams also reportedly did not exchange shirts after the match.

The reports add that Benin players and officials were prevented from taking photographs with their Argentine counterparts and were not allowed into the area designated for the Argentina delegation.

The treatment has sparked criticism over the way some African national teams are handled when they face major footballing nations in high-profile international fixtures.

The encounter was viewed as an opportunity for Benin to test themselves against one of the world’s leading football teams, while Argentina were able to use the match as part of their international preparations.

However, the reported arrangements have raised questions about whether the commercial and organisational benefits of such fixtures are shared fairly between the participating associations.

The strongest criticism centres on the claim that all revenue generated from the event went to the Argentine side, with nothing returned to Benin despite the West African nation being one of the two teams involved in the fixture.

There were also complaints about the absence of the traditional post-match gestures between players, including shirt exchanges and photographs, which are often regarded as part of the sporting and cultural value of international football.

The allegations have particularly resonated because of the growing financial gap between established football powers and smaller African nations.

For countries such as Benin, matches against teams of Argentina’s stature can provide valuable competitive experience and global exposure. They can also generate significant commercial interest, making the financial terms surrounding such fixtures an important consideration for national associations.

The claims, however, have not been independently verified, and neither the Argentine Football Association nor the Benin Football Federation has publicly confirmed all of the allegations outlined.

The incident has added to a wider debate about the treatment of African teams in international football and the balance between commercial interests and the traditional values of respect, hospitality and sporting exchange.

The friendly game was played as a farewell for Lionel Messi, who has retired from international football.

The game ended 3-0 against Benin.