Furious Lionel Messi goes VIRAL for confronting referees during loss against Paraguay
Lionel Messi was seen confronting the referee in frustration, following Argentina’s disappointing 2-1 WC qualifier defeat to Paraguay.
The fire inside Lionel Messi has not gone down. The 37-year-old was most recently seen confronting the referees during a shocking 2-1 defeat for Argentina against Paraguay. It marked La Albiceleste’s third qualifying defeat on their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The defeat leaves Argentina with 22 points from 11 matches, as they still remain on top of the table. The visitors had taken a lead through Lautaro Martinez’s 11th minute goal, but Paraguay struck back soon after.
Antonio Sanabria equalized for the home side just eight minutes later through a brilliant overhead kick. Omar Alderete scored the winner in the 47th minute. However, the match was marred with controversy, with several Argentine players criticizing referee Anderson Daronco’s decisions.
Among the critics was skipper Lionel Messi, who confronted Daronco after the final whistle. At the end of the first half, he even allegedly went to the extent of labeling Daronco as a ‘coward’. This was in opposition to a series of contentious decisions by the referee.
Messi had been brought down by rival defenders thrice in the first half, something that went unnoticed by the referee. The referee’s decision to not send off goal-scorer Omar Alderete for two consecutive fouls on the Inter Miami star also left the players frustrated.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Argentinian manager Lionel Scaloni preferred to remain silent on the controversial officiating throughout the match. His side will be hoping to make a comeback against Peru, whom they face next. It will be their last match of the year.
Lionel Messi slammed for his post-match gesture by MLS legend, following playoffs defeat to Atlanta
Inter Miami skipper Lionel Messi has been strongly criticized for his gesture following the team’s disappointing MLS play-offs defeat to Atlanta United. MLS legend Landon Donovan questioned the veteran forward’s actions, after his team got knocked out of the race to the MLS Cup.
Lionel Messi walked straight down the tunnel at the Chase stadium, after a disappointing 3-2 loss in a three-legged match against Atlanta. Messi did not acknowledge the Herons’ fan base or his opponents after the match, something that left Donovan surprised.
The ex-US footballer suggested that the Argentine should have congratulated the loyal fans for their support all season.
I don’t like that. Messi walked right off the field… Your fans are out there too, at least congratulate them on a great season and thank them for all the support they’ve had.
The 37-year-old, however, posted a message after the match on social media, vowing to come back stronger next season. He led Inter Miami to a historic MLS Supporters’ Shield triumph and will be ready for more.
