"Messi cannot be touched because they blow a foul for just touching him" - Peru star slams referee after loss to Argentina
Peru striker Paolo Guerrero has slammed the referees after his side's 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He claimed the referees made life difficult for defenders marking Lionel Messi, even giving a foul for just 'touching him'.
Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the match in the 55th minute at La Bombonera on Tuesday, November 19. Argentina's win against Peru marked Lionel Messi's last game in the 2024 calendar year.
La Albiceleste sit atop the CONMEBOL nations' standings comfortably with 25 points from 12 games. Ahead of their victory against Peru, Argentina had lost 2-1 to Paraguay in the World Cup qualifiers on November 14.
In a post-match interview, Peru star Paolo Guerrero indicated that the referee favored the Argentine captain and called fouls on any touches on him. He said (via Ariellipillo on X):
"The refereeing was on one side, Messi cannot be touched because they blow a foul for just touching him, and you in the press don't say anything and you know it well."
La Pulga assisted Lautaro Martinez's goal and also recorded one shot on target. The Argentine was fouled five times in the game. Overall, La Albiceleste fouled their opponents 10 times in the match while Peru recorded 18 fouls. They received three yellow cards while Argentina received none.
(All match statistics are as per SofaScore and are subject to change as per the website's prerogative.)
"He can’t do that" - When former referee criticized Lionel Messi's behaviour in Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay
In an exclusive statement to Football Insider, former referee Keith Hackett criticized Lionel Messi for his behavior towards the match official in Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay.
"There’s no question that he might be annoyed by the referee’s performance, but he can’t do that. Therefore, I’d expect the referee to report the behavior, then the authorities to take that on board. Certainly, in Europe, that’d be a special incident report, and the authorities would then act," he said.
Hackett's statements came after the legendary Argentine was seen arguing with referee Anderson Daronco during their game against Paraguay. The Inter Miami ace was fouled multiple times by Omar Aldarete and demanded the referee show him a second yellow. However, Daronco ignored his pleas.
According to a video captured by SBS Sports, La Pulga told Daronco at half-time:
"You're a coward, I don't like you!"
The 2-1 loss to Paraguay saw Lautaro Martinez score La Albiceleste's only goal of the match (11'). Martinez's strike was cancelled by Antonio Sanabria's effort in the 19th minute. Omar Aldarete's goal (47') in the second half sealed the win for Paraguay.