Following Argentina's 2-1 loss to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, star Lionel Messi confronted referee Anderson Daronco over several controversial decisions. In a thrilling encounter at Defensores del Chaco Stadium,

The TV cameras captured the Argentine captain confronting referee Anderson Daronco over his failure to penalise Alderete for a series of reckless challenges. Messi was seen wagging a finger in Daronco’s face, visibly frustrated with the official's decisions. It’s also been reported, as per the Mirror, that Messi told the referee:

What started off ideally for Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates on Thursday during a qualifying match towards the 2026 World Cup soon turned into a night to forget. The visitors and CONMEBOL qualification leaders,

Argentina’s visit to Paraguay had it all—goals, scoring opportunities, and controversy. Cameras captured Lionel Messi visibly frustrated with Brazilian referee Anderson Daronco and Lionel Scaloni calling him a "shameless" official.

Lionel Messi was left frustrated as Argentina fell to a shock defeat at the hands of Paraguay on Thursday night, with the Inter Miami star confronting the referee during the game

Fans have accused Lionel Messi of 'disrespect' after he confronted referee Anderson Daronco during Argentina's heated World Cup qualifier against Paraguay. It was an evening to forget for La Albiceleste and their players, who suffered a 2-1 defeat at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium, Paraguay.

Lionel Messi angrily confronted the referee during Argentina's shock World Cup 2026 qualifying 2-1 defeat away to Paraguay on Thursday evening.

Clubs and countries have tried many ways over the years to reduce the influence Lionel Messi can have on a football match. Triple mark him, foul him, rough him up - but no one has quite cracked the code.

World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America's big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday.