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 team 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 match 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 the qualifying standings. The Argentines maintain their lead with 12 points.