Lionel Messi reportedly had doubts about playing his final Argentina match against Benin because he was concerned that AFA could be turning his farewell into a major money-making event.
Messi Reportedly Had Doubts About Argentina Farewell Over AFA Money Concerns
Lionel Messi was reportedly reluctant to take part in his Argentina farewell match because of concerns over the real motives behind the event.
The legendary forward is preparing to make what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental.
The night is supposed to be an emotional celebration of one of the greatest international careers in football history.
However, new reports suggest Messi initially had doubts about whether the match was really necessary.
Messi reportedly was not keen on farewell match
According to reports in Italy, Messi was not fully convinced by the idea of organising a special farewell friendly.
He was reportedly concerned that the event could become more about business than football.
The report claims Messi suspected the Argentine Football Association could use his final international appearance as one last major commercial opportunity.
Despite those concerns, Messi eventually agreed to play.
AFA money concerns behind Messi doubts
The biggest issue reportedly involved the financial value of the event.
Messi remains one of the biggest names in world sport, and his final Argentina match has created enormous interest.
The Monumental sold out quickly, with more than 80,000 supporters expected to attend.
That level of demand means the farewell has the potential to generate major revenue through tickets, sponsorship and commercial activity.
According to the reports, this is what made Messi uncomfortable with the idea.
Benin chosen as final opponent
The choice of Benin has also created debate.
Reports suggest AFA used an intermediary to look for national teams willing to travel to Argentina without demanding a large appearance fee.
Benin eventually agreed to take part in the match.
The situation has raised questions over whether financial considerations played a major role in selecting Messi’s final international opponent.
However, AFA has not publicly confirmed that this was the main reason Benin were chosen.
Scaloni wanted stronger opponents
The controversy has also grown because Lionel Scaloni has previously spoken about Argentina’s friendly schedule.
The coach admitted he would prefer his team to face stronger opponents.
But he explained that many top national teams already had other matches and commitments.
Argentina’s recent games against lower-ranked opposition have still caused debate among supporters and the media.
Farewell has already faced several problems
The latest report adds another controversy to an already difficult build-up.
Benin reportedly faced a journey of more than 20 hours to reach Argentina.
The team also experienced hotel and training problems after arriving in Buenos Aires.
Benin captain Steve Mounié later created more headlines by accusing Argentine players of using provocation and saying they “like to play dirty”.
Instead of being a simple celebration of Messi, the farewell has become surrounded by several unexpected stories.
Messi still agrees to play
Despite his reported doubts, Messi eventually accepted the plan.
He is expected to lead Argentina one final time at the Monumental.
The occasion will give supporters a final opportunity to celebrate the player who led the country to Copa América and World Cup glory.
Whatever concerns existed behind the scenes, Messi will still be at the centre of one of the most emotional nights in Argentina football history.
No direct accusation from Messi
There is an important clarification surrounding the story.
Messi has not publicly accused AFA of using his farewell to make money.
The claims about his doubts and concerns come from media reports rather than direct comments from the player.
AFA has also not publicly confirmed that commercial revenue was the main reason for organising the match.
That means the story should still be treated as a reported concern rather than a confirmed dispute.
A farewell with a commercial shadow
Messi’s final Argentina appearance was expected to be focused entirely on emotion and celebration.
Instead, questions about travel problems, opponent selection and now possible commercial motives have complicated the event.
If the latest reports are accurate, Messi himself may have shared some of those concerns before finally agreeing to take part.
For Argentina supporters, however, one fact remains unchanged.
The Monumental is preparing to say goodbye to the player who delivered the country’s greatest football moment in decades.
But behind the emotion, questions over AFA’s motives have added an unexpected shadow to Messi’s final night in an Argentina shirt.
