Lionel Messi: Controversy on the Day of His Farewell to Argentina—Drones Are Involved

Goals, excitement, tears, and even controversy marked the evening of Lionel Messi’s farewell to the Argentine national team. At the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the legendary striker from Rosario played his final game with the Albiceleste in a friendly match against Benin. In front of 85,000 ecstatic fans, Messi put on his final show, scoring a goal on a penalty kick and providing two assists (to Otamendi and Nico Paz) in the 3-0 victory over the African team.

Messi cried even before arriving at the stadium, on the team bus, and then again on the field, when he bid farewell to everyone at the end of his 208th and final match with Argentina. Before, during, and after the match, it was a nonstop celebration for Messi, but there was also a touch of controversy: the drone show that closed out the ceremony.

Before the images chronicling Messi’s career were projected, drones formed the logo of Sancor Seguros, Argentina’s leading insurance group and one of the brands associated with the event. The ad drew boos from the stadium crowd and sparked an uproar on social media, where it became the main topic of discussion and was the target of a steady stream of memes.

The harsh criticism directed at the insurance company forced it to disable the comments section on Instagram and Facebook. Argentine Football Association President Tapia was also in the crosshairs during the drone show, as he was booed throughout the event. A glaring error also drew mockery: the drones formed an image of Messi kicking the ball with his right foot, even though it is well known that he is left-footed.