Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates had a perfect start to Thursday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match, but it quickly became a memorable evening. After just 11 minutes, Lautaro Martinez gave the visitors and CONMEBOL qualifying leaders, led by Messi, the lead in Paraguay.
But before halftime, Antonio Sanabria’s highlight-reel bicycle kick tied the score, and early in the second half, Omar Alderete scored the game-winning goal.
But Alderete’s contribution to the match would go beyond securing a decisive victory for Paraguay’s own aspirations to play in the upcoming World Cup.
Argentina’s aggressiveness was upsetting their opponents as the home defence put in extra effort to prevent them from re-entering the game. The physicality of Alderete, who plays for Getafe, infuriated Messi in particular, who believed he had done enough to merit a red card.
In footage captured by the broadcast cameras, Messi vented his emotions on match official Anderson Daronco after that punishment was not given.
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“You are a coward, I don’t like you,” is what The Mirror are reporting to be transcribed and translated from the rant.
Although the outcome is not the first setback in Argentina’s attempt to retain the title they won in 2022, they still lead the rankings and have a chance to turn things around on Tuesday against Peru, who are now in second place.
With the victory over the world champions, Paraguay gained four points over Venezuela and Bolivia, giving them some breathing room as they recently moved up into the crucial top six of the league.
