Benin Assistant Coach Criticizes Argentina's Treatment of Team

Benin's assistant coach, Tondy Adelakoun, has publicly criticized the treatment his team received from Argentina during a friendly match held in Buenos Aires last week. The match, which marked Lionel Messi's final appearance for Argentina, was described as disrespectful by Adelakoun.

Adelakoun expressed his frustration with the short notice given to the Benin team to participate in the match, as well as the lack of respect shown by the Argentine team and staff. He detailed the arduous travel arrangements, which included a 13-hour flight from Paris to Buenos Aires, preceded by a 6-hour flight from Abidjan to Paris, with additional waiting time between flights.

The assistant coach also highlighted the lack of interaction and engagement between the two teams after the match. He described the atmosphere as tense and unwelcoming, with security personnel intervening aggressively to prevent any interaction between the Benin players and the Argentine team. Adelakoun mentioned that the Benin players were treated as if they were part of a riotous group, with security quickly dispersing any attempts at friendly interaction.

Adelakoun recounted an incident where Messi was greeted by the Benin players, but he abruptly changed his direction, avoiding them. The assistant coach described this as the most disheartening moment, emphasizing the clear lack of respect and hospitality shown by the Argentine team and staff.

This criticism follows similar sentiments expressed by Benin's head coach, Gérnot Rohr, who had previously mentioned the team's inability to approach Messi for a photo or to obtain his jersey. The Argentine Football Association has not yet responded to these allegations.

**Context:** This incident highlights broader issues of respect and professionalism in international football, particularly when teams from different continents and cultural backgrounds interact. The treatment of the Benin team raises questions about the standards of hospitality and sportsmanship expected in such high-profile matches, especially those marking significant milestones for legendary players like Messi.