Lionel Messi faces racism accusations after incident with Benin player
Lionel Messi has been accused of racism after appearing visibly annoyed when a Benin player tried to take a photo with him following Argentina’s farewell match.
Key Takeaways
AILionel Messi, the Argentina national team star, has faced accusations of racism after he appeared visibly annoyed and upset when a Benin player attempted to take a commemorative photo with him.
Messi’s discomfort was clear as he initially tried to politely avoid the request, before showing signs of anger and refusing, asking to be left alone.
Messi bid farewell to the Argentina national team in his own way early Wednesday, with a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium, where he scored a penalty and assisted two goals.
After the final whistle, the Monumental Stadium became a scene of shirt exchanges and souvenir photos, as Benin players rushed to capture a final moment with one of football’s greatest players.
A video clip showed a Benin player persistently following Messi in hopes of getting a selfie, while Messi tried to leave the pitch and head to his farewell ceremony.