Ticket prices for Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina have risen sharply on the black market, prompting widespread anger among supporters.
Messi is due to play his last match for the national team when Argentina face Benin early on Wednesday at the Monumental in Buenos Aires. The fixture has attracted significant public and media attention, with around 85,000 fans expected at the home ground of River Plate.
Argentine newspaper La Nacion reported that several influencers had been involved in reselling tickets for prices many times higher than their original value. One of those identified was Chapo Martinez, who has more than one million followers on Instagram.
“New tickets to attend the farewell of the best player in history, Lionel Andres Messi. Contact me by direct message,” Martinez wrote on his social media accounts.
The cheapest tickets had originally been available through the official platform for 53 euros. However, resale prices began at 350 euros, according to La Nacion.
Some tickets for premium seats were listed at 905 euros, while the newspaper said the average resale price had reached 567% above the original cost. The scale of the demand for Messi’s final Argentina appearance ensured that Martinez’s case was not isolated, with widespread activity reported across the black market.
The controversy emerged only hours after a separate dispute involving Benin’s preparations for the match.
The African side reportedly encountered several problems before travelling to Argentina. The facilities were described as inadequate, with no hot water available for the players at their hotel and the sauna out of service. The team also lacked sufficient equipment, while its training pitch, which had an artificial surface, and its fitness room were considered unsuitable for a professional side.
Benin’s journey to Argentina lasted 23 hours in economy class. Sports analyst Jonas Bedi was reported to have lost consciousness during the trip.
Despite the problems surrounding the visitors and the ticket controversy, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said demand for the match had been exceptionally high.
“We could have filled five stadiums,” he said.
Special farewell planned for Messi
The evening will include a programme dedicated to Messi, beginning with musical performances from a group of artists before kick-off.
The main tribute is expected to take place after the final whistle. According to TyC Sports, Messi will receive a commemorative plaque and a special shirt, while a video celebrating his career will be shown on the stadium’s giant screens.
The farewell will conclude with Messi addressing the crowd at the Monumental, in what is expected to be a major celebration of one of the most prominent players in the history of Argentine football.
