Messi Reluctant to Play Argentina Farewell Suspects AFA Revenue Motive
· Sports · Times of India, ESPN
Lionel Messi reportedly did not want to play in his farewell match for Argentina, suspecting the Argentine Football Association aimed to earn millions from his name. The 39-year-old will play his 208th and final senior international against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with the match starting at 4:30 AM IST on Wednesday for Indian viewers. Messi decided to end his Argentina career after the team's 2026 World Cup final defeat by Spain in New Jersey, where he left the pitch in tears. His decision followed a difficult period marked by his father's illness and death, which he acknowledged made retiring painful. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Messi viewed the tribute match as a money-making venture by the AFA using his legacy, though he ultimately agreed to play. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni also expressed scepticism about how the farewell was being organised.
Why it matters
Argentine fans may question the sincerity of the tribute if financial motives are perceived to overshadow Messi's legacy. The controversy could affect public trust in how national team honours are managed by football associations.
Read the original report — Times of India
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