Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match has become even more heated after Benin captain Steve Mounié accused Argentine players of using psychological tricks and “playing dirty” before the farewell game.

Messi Farewell Heats Up as Benin Captain Accuses Argentina of Playing Dirty

Lionel Messi’s farewell match with Argentina has been hit by another controversy after Benin captain Steve Mounié accused Argentine players of using psychological tricks and “playing dirty.”

The comments have added more tension to a match already surrounded by travel and hotel problems involving Benin.

Mounié will not play because of injury, but he has still travelled with the squad and sent a clear warning to his teammates.

His message is simple. Stay calm and do not fall into Argentina’s trap.

Benin captain makes strong Argentina claim

Mounié said Argentine players are very good at getting inside opponents’ heads and creating emotional reactions.

According to him, players can easily be pulled into arguments or physical battles that may lead to cards.

Mounié claimed: “They like to get inside your head and play dirty.”

The comment immediately created attention before one of the most emotional matches in Argentina’s recent history.

Past experience shaped Mounié’s view

The Benin captain explained that his opinion comes partly from personal experience.

He previously faced Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi in Ligue 1 and remembered a difficult battle between them.

Mounié suggested Balerdi was clever in physical situations and knew how to provoke opponents.

He admitted that he lost control in one of those moments and was eventually sent off.

Benin warned to keep 11 players on the pitch

Mounié said he plans to warn his teammates not to react badly if Argentina try to provoke them.

He believes emotional control will be very important.

One of Benin’s main goals will be to finish the match with all 11 players still on the pitch.

Any red card would make an already difficult match even harder.

Mounié will not play against Argentina

There is one important detail behind the controversy.

Mounié himself will miss the match because of injury.

His role will therefore be more about leadership and advice than action on the pitch.

He has still travelled with the squad and remains an important voice inside the team.

Surprising Messi comment

Mounié also attracted attention when asked about Messi.

He said:

“I don’t idolise Lionel Messi.”

However, the Benin captain did not disrespect Messi’s ability.

He admitted the legendary forward remains extremely difficult to stop and can still punish opponents even when he is not at his physical best.

Messi farewell already surrounded by problems

Mounié’s comments arrive after Benin’s preparation had already created controversy.

The squad reportedly faced a journey of around 23 to 25 hours before arriving in Argentina.

They also experienced hotel problems involving hot water, sauna facilities and training equipment.

One member of Benin’s staff was also reported to have briefly lost consciousness during the long journey.

Several of those problems were later fixed.

Two separate controversies

There is an important difference between the issues.

Mounié’s “playing dirty” comments were not directly connected to Benin’s travel or hotel problems.

He was talking about Argentina’s behaviour on the pitch, including provocation and psychological battles.

The logistical problems are a separate story.

No major Argentina response yet

So far, there has been no major public response from Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine Football Association or Balerdi.

Argentina have continued focusing on preparations for Messi’s farewell.

However, Mounié’s comments have added another unexpected storyline before kick-off.

Extra tension before Messi’s final game

The match is expected to be Messi’s final appearance for Argentina after more than two decades with the national team.

The Monumental should be full of emotion as supporters celebrate their legendary No.10 one final time.

But the build-up has been far from calm.

Benin’s difficult journey, hotel problems and now Mounié’s strong comments have added extra tension to what was supposed to be a simple farewell celebration.