Burkina Faso and Benin’s October friendlies against Argentina brought little benefit to either African federation, with both teams facing travel problems and unexpected costs before crossing the Atlantic.
The matches were played on 3 and 6 October, with Burkina Faso losing 7-0 and Benin beaten 3-0. Burkina Faso fielded an under-23 side, while Benin used a more regular team and held Argentina for a half.
The fixtures also saw Lionel Messi score his final Argentina goal, converting a penalty at the Estadio Monumental, the home of River Plate and Argentina. It was his 126th goal in 208 appearances, and he also provided two assists.
Africa has supplied more opponents for Argentina in 2026 than any other continent. Mauritania lost 2-1 and Zambia 5-0 in friendlies in March, before Algeria were beaten 3-0, Cape Verde 3-2 and Egypt 3-2 at the 2026 World Cup. Burkina Faso and Benin were the latest African visitors to face the three-time world champions.
Behind the celebrations surrounding Messi, however, the two trips have raised questions about the arrangements made by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and event organiser EuroData Sport, led by Jairo Pachon.
Burkina Faso forced to charter private flight
The Burkina Faso fixture, agreed at the beginning of September, was initially sold as costing the country nothing. EuroData Sport said the AFA would cover travel, accommodation, meals and transport in Buenos Aires.
But, after Burkina Faso drew 1-1 with Benin in Ouagadougou and 1-1 with Central African Republic in Casablanca, Morocco, in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, the Etalons rejected the travel conditions that had been arranged.
To avoid withdrawing, the Burkina Faso federation called up an under-23 squad preparing for a friendly in Mali. Only Bebel Doumbia, who had been selected for the matches against Benin and Central African Republic, agreed to travel. The government then chartered a private flight from Ouagadougou which arrived in Buenos Aires about five hours before kick-off.
“It was difficult for the players to resist such an opponent after a long and exhausting journey, on top of the time difference,” Traore said. He was also surprised “that the Argentines, who must have made a lot of money from these two matches, gave nothing to the Burkina Faso federation, for television rights or ticket sales, for example”.
The federation may seek reimbursement from EuroData Sport, while the Burkinabe government is estimated to have spent about 400,000 euros. Federation president Oumarou Sawadogo declined to comment. Meanwhile, junta leader Ibrahim Traore is planning an emergency programme to address what he calls “sick football”, despite the possibility of FIFA suspension.
Benin travelled with its usual squad but faced what the source described as unacceptable conditions. The AFA and organiser promised to cover the trip and accommodation, but reportedly used a low-cost flight and a hotel with questionable facilities, while paying no appearance fee.
The AFA is said to have paid 180,000 euros towards the trip, forcing the Benin federation to contribute a further 60,000 euros. Those figures could not be confirmed with new president Marcellin Bocove, who was unavailable for comment.
