Messi's Farewell Gift Joins the Bizarre Pile

“A bizarre gift from a referee. Surely it's a red card, Chip. Or a lukewarm sausage roll. Either way, it's all downhill from here.” — Dale Bearman, on air

On air: Chip Darnell and Dale Bearman on Europe Open
Published 3:25 AM ET, Thursday, October 8, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Yahoo Sports: “VIDEO: Lionel Messi receives BIZARRE retirement gift from referee in emotional Argentina farewell against Benin”.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 3:25 AM ET on Europe Open, by Chip Darnell and Dale Bearman.
Topics: Argentina, Lionel Messi.
BBN covered this story before: Okinawa Curfew After Killing; French School Unrest; Messi in India (October 7).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Yahoo SportsVIDEO: Lionel Messi receives BIZARRE retirement gift from referee in emotional Argentina farewell against Benin

What BBN said about it

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNew this hour: Yahoo Sports says a referee gave Lionel Messi a bizarre retirement gift at his Argentina farewell against Benin.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorA bizarre gift from a referee. Surely it's a red card, Chip. Or a lukewarm sausage roll. Either way, it's all downhill from here.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorDale, I'm choosing to believe it was a gift card to a strip mall. My favorite kind of retirement.