has tried to minimize an incident throughout Argentina’s 1-0 win over Paraguay after the celebrity was allegedly spat at by an opponent whereas on worldwide obligation. Messi was the star attraction as he made an look within the second half in entrance of the group in Buenos Aires, however the playmaker was concerned in an unsightly incident within the qualifier after Paraguay’s Antonio Sanabria was accused of spitting at him.
The 2 gamers exchanged phrases in a tense verbal alternate earlier than Messi turned his again on the Torino striker and walked away. And TV footage appeared to catch the second when Sanabria allegedly spat in his path, with Argentina defender Cristian Romero seen wanting on the incident whereas the vile act allegedly occurred.
Messi was seemingly unaware of the alleged spitting saga, nevertheless, and was solely knowledgeable after the sport by his team-mates. The incident was not handled by the officers on the time both, which means Sanabria might presumably face disciplinary motion if authorities resolve to take motion.
After the sport, Sanabria denied spitting at Messi and claimed the TV digital camera angle was deceptive. In any case, the previous Barcelona and PSG star was unfazed by the run-in with Sanabria as he stated he did not even know who ex-Roma and Actual Betis striker was – and insisted he wasn’t about to provide him fame by uttering his title both.
Lionel Messi: The Argentina celebrity was unaware that Sanabria had allegedly spat in his path. (Picture: TVP)
Incident of Sanabria spitting with Lionel Messi in entrance of him.
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer)
“My team-mates instructed me about it within the locker room. It’s higher to depart the problem alone,” Messi instructed Argentinian outlet after the sport.
He later added: “I do not know who this man is and I do not wish to give him significance both, as a result of if he will get that he’ll exit and discuss in all places and he turns into recognized.”
The World Cup holders maintained their good begin to their 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign after Nicolas Otamendi’s early strike handed Lionel Scaloni’s males a hard-fought victory at Estadio Monumental. Messi had began on the bench with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez chosen to spearhead the assault.
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Lionel Messi: The 36-year-old got here off the bench and hit the publish twice. (Picture: Getty)
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was introduced on after 53 minutes for Alvarez after not too long ago making his comeback from harm. Whereas the 36-year-old did not handle so as to add his title to the scoresheet, he hit the publish twice and was simply happy to get again out on the pitch after his latest lay-off.
“I am glad to play once more and add minutes,” the long-lasting ahead added. “It’s at all times troublesome to enter [from the bench] and much more so in such a good sport. The vital factor is that we received and at instances we performed very nicely, particularly within the first half.”
Argentina boss Scaloni admits it was ‘dangerous’ to play Messi after his time spent on the sidelines and says he’ll decide on whether or not to begin their all-time document goalscorer towards Peru on Tuesday.
“We are going to discuss within the subsequent few days. He has two extra coaching periods to proceed gathering minutes and we’ll see,” he stated. “It isn’t discounted that he performs, it isn’t discounted that he doesn’t play – as a result of I have never talked about that but – however immediately I believe it was dangerous that he might get extra minutes than traditional.”
