Messi’s Argentina farewell tribute overshadowed by 10-second sponsor display

Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina was followed by an awkward moment at Monumental Stadium when a tribute drone show began with the logo and name of one of the Argentine Football Association’s sponsors.

Messi played his last match for Argentina early on Wednesday, helping his side to a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin. He scored once and provided two assists before taking part in the ceremony held in his honour.

As 85,000 spectators and Messi himself watched the sky for the start of the lights and drones display, the first image shown was reportedly the branding of a sponsor of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), according to Spanish newspaper AS.

The commercial message prompted confusion from Messi and boos from supporters in the stands, who objected to the decision to include advertising during a tribute intended to focus on the Argentina captain.

“Even on this important day, the Argentine Football Association could not give up its greed for profit from a part of the tribute in which Messi was the only focus,” AS reported.

“For approximately 10 seconds, the logo of an insurance brokerage company that sponsors the Argentine Football Association appeared, followed by its name. The advertisement had a negative effect, as Argentina became enraged at the damage done to Messi’s image at such a moment.”

The incident was described as one of the most uncomfortable scenes of the evening, with the sponsor’s appearance interrupting what had been planned as an emotional farewell for Messi in front of his home supporters.

The insurance company’s social media account was later forced to disable comments on its posts after receiving a flood of insults, complaints and protests. The Argentine Football Association also took the same step.

Messi’s farewell match itself had ended positively, with Argentina securing a comfortable win against Benin and the forward making a decisive contribution through his goal and two assists.