Lionel Messi-led Argentina’s undefeated streak got here to an finish on Friday after they went down 2-0 in opposition to Uruguay within the fifth spherical of South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronald Araujo (41) and Darwin Nunez (87) beat World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez at hand Uruguay a memorable win that lifted them to second place within the desk (10 factors). Regardless of the defeat, Argentina stay within the pole place and is nicely on track to qualify for the coveted match with 12 factors.
The match witnessed a brawl breaking out between the 2 groups and Argentina’s talismanic captain was among the many gamers concerned. The video of Lionel Messi grabbing Uruguay’s Mathias Olivera by the neck has gone viral on the web. Messi first planted his proper elbow into the defender’s chest earlier than going for his neck, the viral video confirmed.
One other Argentine within the mixture of issues was midfielder Rodrigo De Paul — usually referred to as Messi’s bodyguard on social media circles. Rodrigo De Paul, who usually tails Messi and exhibits as much as shield him from pitch invaders and followers, was seen sarcastically smiling on the Uruguayan gamers after issues heated up. Curiously, in a task swap, Messi interfered and guarded De Paul from the offended Uruguayans.
In accordance with stories, it was a standoff between De Paul and Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte that snowballed right into a conflict between the 2 sides. Ugarte was noticed making an obscene gesture on the Atletico Madrid star, media stories stated.
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After the sport, Messi reportedly complained in regards to the “lack of respect” by the youngbloods within the Uruguayan aspect.
“This recreation was all the time intense and arduous however all the time with lots of respect. They should be taught a little bit bit. I desire to not say what I take into consideration some gestures. However these younger folks should be taught to respect from their elders,” famous soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as saying.