Maccabi Netanya Newcomer Suspended, Misses Messi's Farewell Match

Olivier Verdon, a recent acquisition for Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Netanya, will be unable to participate in Lionel Messi's farewell game for the Argentine national team due to a disciplinary suspension.

Verdon, a regular with the Benin national team, was not called up for the upcoming friendly against Argentina, which is set to honor Messi's final appearance for his country. This marks the second time Messi has announced his retirement from international football, with this friendly being organized to give him a proper send-off.

The Benin Football Federation suspended Verdon for six months, with an additional six-month suspended sentence, starting in June. The suspension stems from violations of disciplinary rules, internal procedures, and failure to comply with the professional staff's instructions and team conduct obligations. The federation stated the decision was made to uphold the authority of the coaching staff, team cohesion, player equality, and the values of discipline and personal example.

This is not Verdon's first brush with disciplinary issues. In 2021, his former girlfriend accused him of domestic violence, including assault, false imprisonment, and death threats, though legal proceedings were later dropped. In August 2019, he was arrested in Spain following an altercation at a hotel where witnesses reported he grabbed his then-girlfriend by the hair and made threats, including imprisoning her and arranging her disappearance and murder.

Verdon had been part of the Benin squad just three months prior to this suspension, highlighting the swiftness of the disciplinary action that has now cost him the opportunity to play against Messi.