Nov 15 (V7N) — Argentina faced a tough defeat in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, falling 2-1 in a match marred by controversial officiating and heated moments on the field. Lionel Messi, known for his composure, lost his temper with Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco after a series of contentious decisions.

The flashpoint occurred in the 37th minute when Messi became the victim of a dangerous tackle by Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete, who had already been booked earlier in the match. Despite Argentina's vehement protests, Daronco chose not to issue a second yellow card, allowing Alderete to remain on the field. This decision infuriated Messi, who pointed his finger at the referee and voiced his frustration during the first half.

The tension carried over throughout the match, with Argentina's players visibly agitated by several decisions they deemed unfair. After the match, head coach Lionel Scaloni refrained from making explicit accusations but hinted at his dissatisfaction.

"Now you can say a lot, but it will sound like excuses," Scaloni remarked. "We all saw what happened on the field. It doesn’t change the result. We need to learn from these moments and move forward."

The defeat ends Argentina's recent streak of strong performances under Scaloni and raises questions about their ability to stay composed in high-pressure situations. Critics have pointed out that despite questionable officiating, Argentina failed to capitalize on their opportunities, with defensive lapses contributing to their loss.

Referee Anderson Daronco, who has been listed by FIFA since 2014, has a history of controversial decisions in both domestic and international matches. This latest incident is likely to add to the scrutiny surrounding his officiating career.

Argentina will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next qualifier, with both players and fans hoping to see a return to form and a focus on the football rather than the officiating.

END/RH/AJ