Sports

Ex-Presidential aide Bashir Ahmad criticises Messi for ‘snubbing’ Benin player at his final game

By Linda Ikeji 7 October 2026, 5:23 pm 0 comments

Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, has criticised Lionel Messi for his reaction to a Benin player who attempted to take a selfie with him.

Lionel Messi's retirement moment with the Argentine national team was interrupted when a Benin player attempted to take a selfie with the 39-year-old.

Messi registered two assists and a goal for Argentina in a 3-0 win over Benin in his final game for the Albiceleste.

After the full-time whistle, Messi shook hands with the Benin players and tried to embrace his final moments on the pitch as a member of the national team.

However, one Benin player appeared eager to pose with Messi for a selfie.

Messi did not seem to be in the mood for a photo and he appeared visibly miffed at the Benin player.

Benin's Amiro Amadou eventually intervened and got his teammate to back off.

A number of people have taken issues with Messi's reaction and they are accusing him lack of humility.

Sharing the video, Bashir Ahmad wrote: "We stayed up for most of the night to celebrate Lionel Messi as he played his final game for Argentina. But honestly, this isn’t good from him, for someone whose supporters constantly describe him as one of the most humble players."