Gernot Rohr criticises Argentina after Benin players denied Messi farewell keepsakes

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has criticised Argentina after his players were unable to take photographs with Lionel Messi or exchange shirts with the veteran forward following his farewell international appearance.

Rohr said his players had hoped to meet Messi and his Argentina team-mates after the match but were prevented from entering the tunnel or dressing room areas.

“The only shame is that the Argentines gave us nothing,” Rohr said.

“No photo with Messi, no shirt. They didn’t even let us into the tunnel, nor even the dressing room.”

The German coach said his players and staff made several attempts to gain access but were stopped by security personnel.

“Security refused to let anyone in. We tried everything, but we got nothing,” he added.

For many opposing players, sharing the pitch with Messi represents a significant career moment, with shirt exchanges and photographs often becoming lasting memories of playing against one of football’s most celebrated players.

Rohr’s comments suggest that his Benin squad had expected to have an opportunity to meet Messi after the match, only for security restrictions to prevent them from doing so.

The occasion was particularly significant because of Messi’s status and the circumstances surrounding his appearance, with the match serving as part of his farewell to international football.

Messi has spent more than two decades representing Argentina and has won the Copa America and World Cup with the national team, cementing his place as one of the most decorated players in the history of the game.

For Benin’s players, however, the focus after the match was not simply on the result but on the opportunity to share a personal moment with the Argentina captain.

Rohr expressed his frustration that neither photographs nor shirt exchanges were possible despite the efforts made by his squad.

The incident highlights the increasingly strict security arrangements surrounding high-profile international fixtures, particularly when global stars such as Messi are involved.

While shirt exchanges and post-match photographs are common in football, access to players can be heavily restricted by security teams once matches end.

Rohr’s comments have nevertheless drawn attention to the disappointment felt by his players, who left without the keepsakes they had hoped to secure from what was a memorable occasion.