The 'smetje' in Messi's farewell game: the situation of
According to Vi.
Context
Lionel Messi, icon of Argentine football, is about to play his last match for the national team at the age of 39. The choice of Benin as an opponent, a team ranked 93rd in the FIFA rankings, raises questions about the dignity and respect that should be offered to all teams, regardless of their classification. Messi's farewell is an event that should be celebrated with grandeur, reflecting his importance to football, including his contribution to Argentina and the impact he had on the global football scene.
Why this matters
Lionel Messi's farewell to the Argentine national team is a significant moment in the history of football, especially after his victory in the 2022 World Cup. However, the controversy surrounding the conditions offered to the Benin national team raises questions about the ethics of organizing friendly matches. The way African teams are treated can impact the image of Argentine football and its social responsibility.
Main conclusions
- The 'smetje' in Messi's farewell game: the situation.
- Lionel Messi's farewell to the Argentine national team is marked by controversies over the conditions offered to opponents Benin, who will face the Argentine star on a night that promises to be memorable.
- Het 'smetje' op afscheidsduel Messi: de behandeling van tegenstander Benin.
On the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, Lionel Messi will have his big farewell to the Argentine national team. This event promises to be a spectacular night, celebrating the career of the football icon after winning the World Cup in 2022. However, there is a concern raised by The Guardian: the treatment given to the opposing team, Benin, raises questions about the ethics in organizing these types of games.
Messi, at 39 years old, will play for the last time in an Argentina shirt, a moment that should be celebrated with dignity. However, the choice of Benin, currently in 93rd position in the FIFA rankings, as an opponent raises eyebrows. The British newspaper explains that Argentina has chosen, in recent years, to face African teams, a decision that is largely due to these teams' willingness to accept low payments for friendly matches.
The problem lies not only in the choice of opponent, but in the conditions in which the Benin team was received. The team did not have access to a charter flight and had to make several commercial stops, resulting in a journey of around 25 hours to Buenos Aires. One of the team's video analysts even passed out during the long trip.
Furthermore, the Benin team was housed in a hotel considered unsuitable. Several rooms do not have hot water, the sauna is out of order and the fitness room is extremely limited. To further complicate the situation, Benin will have almost no financial return from this game, since the Monumental Stadium, with a capacity for 85,000 spectators, will be completely full, but all revenue will go to the Argentine federation.
Despite everything, the Benin team seems willing to accept these conditions, as they have the unique opportunity to participate in the farewell of one of the greatest players in the history of football. However, the team's situation is not unique. Recently, Argentina also invited Burkina Faso to a friendly game, but the African team ended up not traveling due to flight problems, sending only its under-23 team, which was defeated 7-0.
This type of treatment of African teams raises questions about justice and ethics in sport, especially considering that Argentina, as world champions, should assume a position of respect and dignity towards their opponents, regardless of their classification.
What happens next
With the match scheduled, attention is expected to focus not only on Messi's farewell, but also on the conditions the Benin team faced. The situation could generate discussions about the need for better practices in the organization of international games, especially in relation to less favored teams. Messi's performance and the public's response could influence future decisions about opponents in farewell games.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in Messi's farewell game?
Lionel Messi will have his big farewell to the Argentine national team, playing against the Benin team.
Who confirmed the situation of the Benin team?
The situation of the Benin team was raised by the British newspaper The Guardian.
Why did Argentina choose Benin as its opponent?
Argentina has chosen to face African teams due to these teams' willingness to accept low payments for friendly matches.
What are the conditions under which the Benin selection was received?
The Benin team did not have access to a charter flight, made several commercial stops and was accommodated
in a hotel considered unsuitable.
What changes have occurred in the organization of the game?
Proceeds from the game, despite the capacity of the Monumental Stadium, will be entirely allocated to the Argentine federation, with no financial return to Benin.