During a home qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup against Uruguay, Argentina forward Lionel Messi got involved in a nasty incident.
The game of the fifth matchday took place on November 16 in Buenos Aires at the stadium La Bombonera and ended with the loss of Lionel Scaloni's t🌳eam with a score of 0:2. Defender Ronald Araujo and forward Darwin Nunez scored goals for the winners.
During the second half, the 36-year-old Albiceleste captain first pushed and then grabbed Uruguay defender Mathias Olivera by the throat during a moment of play. The mat෴ch referee, who was watching the scene, did not penalize the 2022 World Cup champion and did not show him a 🍎warning.
Thanks to the away win, Uruguay national team, led by Marcelo Bielsa, gained 10 points and moved up to second place in th🧜e qualifying standings. The Argentines maintain their lead with 12 points.