Angry Lionel Messi grabs Uruguay player around the neck as Argentina match boils over
Argentina suffered their initial defeat since clinching the World Cup, facing a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in Buenos Aires.
During the first half, Lionel Messi was embroiled in a heated altercation.
Lionel Messi lost his composure during Argentina’s defeat to Uruguay on Thursday, getting involved in a physical altercation by grabbing an opponent around the neck.
The intense clash between bitter rivals took place at Buenos Aires’ La Bombonera Stadium, culminating in Uruguay’s victory that ended Argentina’s undefeated streak post-World Cup.
The incident unfolded midway through the first half when Rodrigo De Paul of Argentina clashed with Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera.
Messi intervened by forcefully colliding with Olivera, and matters escalated when the Ballon d’Or winner placed his hand around the defender’s throat.
Despite the apparent misconduct, match officials overlooked the incident, allowing Messi to escape without repercussions, leaving fans on social media bewildered.
“That’s a red card for any other player but of course he didn’t get a red card because his name is Messi,” one supporter fumed on X. Another said: “People always act like Messi is so humble non-problematic guy. Man, PR is so powerful.”
A third raged: “This should have been an absolute red card, why would you elbow and choke a player?” A fourth joked: “Messi’s the wannabe tough guy knowing his bodyguards are coming.”
Uruguay, led by former Argentina and Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, had the final triumph by scoring two goals in the second half to decisively defeat Messi and his team.
The initial goal was secured by Barcelona defender Araujo, and the second was netted by Liverpool striker Nunez, although Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez arguably could have prevented both.
Despite Messi’s close attempt with a whipped free-kick hitting the bar, Argentina, despite dominating possession (64%), struggled to pose a significant threat to Uruguay’s goal, managing only three shots on target.
This outcome narrows the gap between Uruguay and Argentina at the summit of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.
Argentina currently holds the top position with 12 points, while Uruguay has now closed the gap to just two points, securing the second spot.
Notably, Uruguay achieved the distinction of being the first team to score against the World Cup winners in the qualifying rounds.
“We never felt comfortable in this match,” Messi admitted after the game. “Uruguay is a physical team, they have good teamwork. It is always like that against them.” Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni agreed, saying: “Uruguay were the better side… We cannot think that because we are world champions we will never lose again. We are not unbeatable, I said it before and I will continue to say it.”
Angry Lionel Messi grabs Uruguay player around the neck as Argentina match boils over