The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is facing accusations regarding its decision to host a tribute match for Lionel Messi against Benin, a team currently ranked 93rd in the FIFA standings. Scheduled for October 7 in Buenos Aires, this match is set to be Messi's final appearance for the national team, marking the end of an illustrious international career for one of football's greatest players.

However, the match has sparked controversy, particularly following a formal request from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to FIFA. The CBF is urging the global governing body of football to reevaluate the criteria for recognizing international friendly matches involving Argentina. They argue that Argentina's continuous selection of lower-ranked teams like Benin, Burkina Faso, Zambia, and Puerto Rico distorts historical statistics on a global scale.

The CBF contends that the official tally of goals and unbeaten streaks against such significantly weaker opponents diminishes the fairness of international football data. Since winning the 2022 World Cup, Argentina has predominantly faced teams with an average FIFA ranking of around 85, the lowest in South America, according to French publication L'Equipe.

Despite the criticism, this strategy has proven financially lucrative for the AFA, which has reportedly generated over 65 million euros (approximately 1.8 trillion VND) from international friendlies, capitalizing on lucrative markets in the United States and Asia. La Nacion, one of Argentina's oldest and most popular newspapers, commented on this approach, stating, "The team is playing for money, which is not inherently wrong, unless they are always playing for money."

Moreover, this strategy has led to various controversies, including complaints about logistical arrangements, travel conditions, and inadequate accommodations for visiting teams like Benin and Burkina Faso, raising questions about how the generated profits are allocated.

Initially, Messi himself was hesitant about participating in a tribute match due to concerns over its commercial motives. However, after discussions with the AFA, he agreed to take part to bid farewell to his home audience. This match against Benin will conclude Messi's 208 appearances for the national team, placing him among a select group of players who have surpassed 200 international matches, ranking third in history behind Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi has left an indelible mark on Argentine football, holding a record of 125 goals, far surpassing Javier Mascherano, the second-highest capped player, by 61 appearances. He has expressed his deep commitment to the national team, stating, "I swear to you, I have always given everything, not just in recent years when we won every title, but even before that." Thus, the match against Benin not only signifies the end of an era for Messi but also closes a glorious chapter in the history of Argentine football.