Logistical Nightmares Plagues Argentina's Opponents Before Messi's Farewell
Benin struggled with severe logistical issues in Buenos Aires ahead of playing Argentina in Lionel Messi's final international match, following a similar fiasco with Burkina Faso.
Benin faced severe logistical issues in Buenos Aires ahead of its match against Argentina, following a chaotic buildup that also affected Burkina Faso. Benin will play the Albiceleste in what is set to be Lionel Messi's final international appearance.
According to reports, the Benin delegation encountered a lack of hot water, a broken sauna, and delayed equipment upon arrival. Training sessions were restricted to a synthetic pitch, and the gym facilities were deemed inadequate for a professional national team. These troubles followed an exhausting 23-hour flight in economy class, during which the team's video analyst, Jonas Bida, suffered dizziness and briefly lost consciousness.
This controversy follows a similar fiasco involving Burkina Faso. Their original flight from Morocco to Argentina was canceled, stranding the delegation in Casablanca for days and prompting many senior players to boycott the delayed trip. Coach Amir Abdou was forced to rely heavily on under-23 players and last-minute call-ups.
Burkina Faso arrived in Buenos Aires just hours before kickoff, and Argentina cruised to a 7-0 victory after leading 5-0 at halftime. Following the match, coach Lionel Scaloni remarked, "We must thank Burkina Faso and those who came for their effort. What they did honors football. We tried to play as if it were a final because that is the only way to respect these guys."
Argentina will face Benin at the Monumental Stadium on Tuesday night, marking Messi's farewell game for the national team. The Argentine Football Association announced that all members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad have been invited to participate in the farewell ceremony.
