2023-10-13 02:41:24
The world champions won 1-0 with an early goal from defender Nicolás Otamendi, this Thursday, at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, for the third day of the South American qualification, which they lead with nine points. La Albirroja has just one point.
Argentina vs. Paraguay – World Cup Qualifiers 2026. | Photo: 2023 Getty Images
However, beyond what happened in sports, a reprehensible fact stole the attention and criticism from the world of football.
In the midst of the fever over the defeat, a Paraguayan striker took out his fury by spitting on Messi, who did not let it go unnoticed and reproached him.
It all happened in an argument in the middle of the field, at 84 minutes. They looked at each other badly, Leo insulted him and, while he left as if to get back into the game, Sanabria reacted by throwing the spit that, fortunately, did not hit the 10.
However, the referee did not see it and the VAR did not warn Judge Clauss of this action, since, according to the rules, these actions are among irregular behaviors.
After the match, Messi referred to the issue and ignored his rival. “I don’t even know who this guy is and I didn’t see him, I only saw him because they told me in the locker room.”
“I don’t want to give him importance because later he becomes famous,” he added.
What the game left
“We know that all rivals are difficult and Paraguay is one of them. Physically, they are very strong, they play directly. “Today we showed the team we are, we were angry because we could have scored another goal,” analyzed Alexis Mac Allister, English Liverpool midfielder.
Paraguayan Matías Espinoza tries to stop Messi, in a match in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Alejandro Pagni / AFP. | Photo: AFP or licensors
De Paul had the second in the 41st minute, with a right hand from the crescent that hit the post. At 44 minutes, Nicolás González crossed a left foot shot just wide at the end of a play with dozens of touches.
Only in the 51st minute did Paraguay cause concern when Ramón Sosa caught the local last line off guard and forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to make an effort with a right cross. “Dibu” went 622 minutes without conceding goals and established a new unbeaten record in the Albiceleste goal.
The next minute Messi entered, who was close to scoring in the 75th minute when, in search of the first Olympic goal of his career, he hit a post. At the end of time, the post again denied him the free kick celebration.
Argentina, world champion in 1978, 1986 and 2022, will visit Peru on Tuesday, while Paraguay will host Bolivia.
Argentina vs. Paraguay | Foto: 2023 Getty Images
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