Dugarry denounces lack of respect before Messi's farewell match

Christophe Dugarry exploded on RMC, describing Lionel Messi's farewell match with Argentina against Benin as a “match of shame”, denouncing the lack of respect towards African players and recalling the logistical problems faced by both teams.

Criticised choice of opponent

In the programme “Rothen s’enflamme” on RMC, Dugarry said that “everyone is sweetening themselves” and that there is “no respect for African players”. He recalled that the Argentinian national team chose Benin as the opponent for Messi’s final match, even though the football World Cup is approaching. According to him, this decision shows “It’s the match of shame” and reflects a total indifference to the demands of African teams.

Teams' failing logistics

Argentina was held up in Morocco by a carrier, arriving at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires only five hours before kickoff. The previous match against Burkina Faso ended with a crushing 7‑0 win, but the players had to make do with arriving late. The areas of the Monumental stadium were already saturated when the South Americans finally set foot on the pitch.

Benin, for its part, took a twenty‑three‑hour economy class flight before reaching the Argentine capital. The delegation denounced the lack of hot water, a sauna out of order, and equipment not delivered in the booked hotel. These logistical inconveniences fed Dugarry’s anger, who compared the situation to a journey “in the holds”.

Messi's final farewell

Jérôme Rothen, former PSG player, commented on RMC that “it’s an event but we must respect the supporters and the viewers”. He judged that “organising matches like this is far‑fetched”, highlighting the inadequacy of choosing Burkina Faso as a gala opponent. Rothen also recalled that Argentina is not a “small football country” and that the choice of Benin remains debatable.

Earlier controversies, notably racist chants after the 2024 Copa America, were recalled by Dugarry. He mentioned the statements of Argentinians towards coloured French players and compared the situation to a text by Gianni Infantino, stressing the widespread lack of respect. “We must not let anyone think that no one has feasted on this story”, he added.

During the match, Lionel Messi, nicknamed La Pulga, will celebrate his 208th cap, tallying at least one hundred twenty‑five goals and sixty‑five assists, a historic record. This evening will mark the end of an exceptional international career, with Argentine supporters numbering around eighty‑five thousand privileged fans in the stands.

Tuesday evening, the Monumental stadium will host Messi’s final showdown, where the 85 000 spectators present will witness a scene that, according to Dugarry, will remain etched as the “match of shame”. The course of the game and post‑match reactions will be closely scrutinised, both by fans