Tunde Adelakun denounces Argentine attitude after Messi's latest

Less than a week after Lionel Messi's last match with Argentina against Benin, Beninese assistant Tunde Adelakun published a long blog post lamenting the lack of recognition from the Argentines towards the African team during the football World Cup.

An exhausting journey and a monumental match

Adelakun recalls that the journey lasted thirteen long hours from Paris to Buenos Aires, after an initial six hours from Abidjan to Paris, divided into three groups. He notes that the match was “monumental in every respect” and that the Beninese players were proud to say goodbye to the eight-time Ballon d’Or.

Refusal of contact and hostile security

After the final whistle, the assistant describes the categorical refusal of the Argentine team to establish any contact with his own team. The handshakes were brief and impersonal, and the attempts by the Beninese players to approach Messi were rebuffed by security agents, who quickly dispersed a small group that had formed to applaud him.

Adelakun cites the comparison: “it was as if my guys were gangsters in the midst of a riot,” to illustrate how the security acted. He adds that the formation of an honor guard for Messi was interrupted, the agents separating them before the players could even greet him.

During the lap of honour, the Beninese positioned themselves in the path of Messi, who veered toward the central circle just before reaching their height. Adelakun describes this act as a “new low blow” towards a man revered by many young Africans.

In conclusion, the assistant stresses the principle that respect must be reciprocal and that, in football, it is essential to demonstrate it. He hopes that this episode will encourage a better consideration of African teams in future major events.