Lionel Messi has come under criticism on social media after reportedly declining a Benin player’s request for a selfie following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium on Wednesday.
According to Goal.com, Messi greeted members of the Benin team after the final whistle as he appeared to mark what could be his final moments in Argentina’s national team colours. During the interaction, a Benin player seemingly approached the Argentine captain for a selfie, but Messi declined and walked away.
The incident has generated debate online, with some social media users accusing Messi of racism and others arguing that the footage does not provide enough context to support such claims.
Messi had otherwise interacted with the Benin players during the match, which was briefly stopped in the 10th minute as supporters applauded him. The Argentine also embraced and exchanged greetings with members of the opposing team.
Some critics described Messi’s decision to decline the selfie as “lacking humility”, arguing that he could have taken a few seconds to pose with the player, particularly given the significance attached to the friendly.
The Mexican account “La Catrina Norteña” shared the footage with the caption: “Messi refused to take a photo with an African player at his farewell ceremony. He pushed away a Benin player who wanted a selfie with him and walked straight past…”
The post triggered divided reactions. Some users backed the criticism and accused Messi of racism, while others said there was nothing inappropriate about his actions.
Account Universador wrote: “Even in the final moments of his career? Is Messi selfish, arrogant, and racist? It certainly seems so.”
Another account, RHV, stated: “Racist, we’ve known that for a long time.”
However, other users offered a different explanation. Account menduca61 claimed: “Someone reminded the Benin player not to approach Messi because the ceremony had already begun, and photos could be taken later. Get your facts straight before you criticize.”
Meanwhile, Luis Linares defended Messi, writing: “You have psychological trauma because of Messi… your anti-Messi propaganda is too biased and malicious, completely disregarding the facts.”
The incident remains a subject of debate online, with the available footage prompting conflicting interpretations of why Messi declined the selfie request.
