Lionel Messi called 'a disgrace' for behaviour immediately after final Argentina game

Argentina icon Lionel Messi has been labelled a 'disgrace' by some upset fans after his final international match. Supporters on social media have taken aim at the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner after he appeared to snub Benin players requesting selfies in the moments after their 3-0 win at the Estadio Monumental.

Footage appears to show players crowding the attacker for their own moment, with one player trying to score a selfie with the illustrious footballer as he makes his way to soak up the adulation for one final time. The 39-year-old, who scored and provided two assists as he bowed out of international football on a high, appeared to look confused and annoyed, exchanging words with the player as he ignored the request. Messi finally brought the curtain down on a famous career with La Albiceleste, which featured World Cup, Copa America and Finalissima glory. The Barcelona legend had announced he was ending the golden era with Argentina on August 31, weeks after the death of his father.

The Inter Miami star rounded off a phenomenal international chapter as he could only do with a goal and two assists. However, rival fans were quick to point out Messi's lack of interaction with the Benin players, having brutally shrugged off one trying to get a picture with him.

One tweeted: "The poor players from Benin just wanted to take a photo with Messi and, well... (mouth zipped emoji)." Another replied: "The biggest lie in football, what a disgrace."

The ESPN FC account said: "One Benin player taking a selfie with Messi while a couple others argue over who gets his shirt." A user said: "No matter how you twist everything, Messi was clearly refusing to take selfie with him." Others poked fun at Messi being considered the most 'humble' person in football after the controversial incident.

However, some stood up for Messi, insisting he just wanted to enjoy his final moment on the international moment with his team-mates.

Footage after the match showed Messi being escorted out of the stadium by a team of security guards. The curtain comes down on a career spanning a mammoth six World Cups, captaining Argentina in most of those.

Messi is his country's all-time leading goal scorer and most-capped player, scoring 125 goals in 207 games for the national team. He tendered his retirement in 2016 after captaining his nation to three consecutive finals and failing to win any of them, but a change of heart meant he would return in Qatar, finally winning the World Cup in 2022.

Following the match, Messi delivered a stirring speech that left Enzo Fernandez and team-mates in tears. Speaking on the pitch, he said: "It's hard to say anything today; there are so many emotions, so many things are going through my mind. "The first thing I think of is my dad. All I can do is express my gratitude, as I said in my farewell letter. It was a great honour to wear this jersey for over 20 years.

"Even in the worst moments we've faced, I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all, and never stopped being there. Not coming back is going to be a huge pain. I swear I'd like to come back for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentine National Team is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.

"The truth is, I'm talking more than ever. I don't want to leave, I don't want to leave the field. I just want to tell you that I love you all, I'm going to miss you, and I'm so grateful to God for being Argentinian, proud to be Argentinian, and proud to have fulfilled my dreams with all of you. Thank you so much, I love you all."  - (ANA) -

AB/ANA/07 October 2026 - - -