Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has taken Lionel Messi to task after the Argentine superstar appeared to ignore a Benin player who tried to snap a selfie with him during his final game.
Bashir Ahmad, who served as a digital media aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has waded into an international controversy after football legend Lionel Messi reportedly snubbed a player from Benin Republic who attempted to take a selfie with him at what was described as Messi’s final game.
The incident, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparked outrage among African football fans — and Ahmad was not having any of it.
Taking to his social media page, the former Aso Rock aide didn’t mince words as he criticised the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for what many are calling a disrespectful moment towards an African player.
What Happened?
During the match, a player from Benin — clearly starstruck and seizing what he probably thought was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — approached Messi for a quick selfie. Instead of obliging the fan-turned-colleague, Messi appeared to brush off the gesture, leaving the Benin player — and millions of African football lovers watching — deeply unimpressed.
For many Nigerians and Africans on the continent who grew up idolising Messi, the moment stung. Football, after all, is more than just a sport in this part of the world — it is culture, passion, and identity.
Ahmad’s Reaction
Bashir Ahmad, never one to shy away from speaking his mind on social media, voiced his disappointment openly. His comments resonated with thousands of Nigerians and other African fans who felt the snub reflected a certain attitude towards African players on the global stage.
His post quickly gathered traction online, with many Nigerians agreeing that regardless of how great Messi is, the moment was beneath the dignity expected of someone of his stature.
Social Media Reacts
As expected, Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram had plenty to say. While some fans defended Messi — arguing that he may have simply been overwhelmed or focused on the emotion of his final match — a large number sided with Ahmad’s position.
“No matter how big you are, showing respect costs nothing,” one user wrote.
“If Ronaldo did this, una go trend am for one week,” another quipped, referencing the eternal Messi vs Ronaldo debate that Nigerians never seem to tire of.
Others pointed out that African players deserve the same respect and acknowledgement as any other player on the world stage — a sentiment that clearly touched a nerve across the continent.
The Bigger Picture
This incident raises a broader conversation that Africans have been having for years — about how African footballers are perceived and treated on the global stage, even by the sport’s greatest icons.
Nigeria alone has produced world-class talents like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel, and now Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. African football deserves its flowers, and African players deserve their respect — on and off the pitch.
Whether Messi intended any disrespect or not, the moment served as a reminder that greatness comes with responsibility — and that how you treat others, especially in your finest moments, says everything about your character.
What do you think? Was Bashir Ahmad right to call out Messi, or was it much ado about nothing? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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