Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has played down media reports surrounding his players being denied access to Lionel Messi following their 3–0 friendly defeat to Argentina, choosing instead to focus on the overall experience of participating in the monumental fixture.
The match, which served as a farewell appearance for Argentina’s iconic captain, was followed by circulating reports online indicating that Benin players were restricted from entering the Argentine dressing room, swapping jerseys, or taking selfies with Messi after the final whistle.
However, speaking after the encounter, Rohr clarified that while his squad felt a touch of post-game disappointment over missing out on standard post-match souvenirs, the host nation and local fans treated his delegation with warmth and hospitality throughout their stay.
“We have been well treated, even friendly, a very good welcome by the public, by everybody,” Rohr told Footy-Africa. “Only after the game a little frustration, the players wanted to change the jerseys or take a selfie with Lionel, but they could not.”
Gernot Rohr: Facing Argentina and Lionel Messi is a “big honor” for Benin Republic
Despite the strict post-match security protocol preventing his players from meeting the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in the tunnel, the former Nigeria manager maintained that the situation did not diminish the significance of the occasion for the Cheetahs.
“It was not the most important though,” Rohr emphasized. “Overall, we had a very great historic moment, and everybody is happy now coming back to be a part of this event.”
While the scoreline reflected Argentina’s quality on the pitch, Rohr’s camp remains firm that the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious stage far outweighed any minor post-match friction over jerseys and photographs.
