World Cup and Copa America holders Argentina suffered a shock defeat at home against Paraguay on Thursday night, and star man Lionel Messi was hardly entertained.
La Albiceleste, who remain atop the Conmebol table after round 11, have been inconsistent of late during World Cup Qualifying, which an in-form La Albirroja took full advantage of during their 2-1 home win.
But for Messi, who had a difficult night in the wake of Inter Miami’s shock exit from MLS Cup action, had some choice words for match official Anderson Daronco.
The Argentine living legend could be heard at half-time remonstrating with Daronco, shouting ‘You’re a coward. I don’t like you.’
Whether or not his frustration at the match official was warranted, what cannot be denied is that both he and his international colleagues have faced justifiable scrutiny in the wake of a poor performance that leaves Argentina’s place in the table under threat.
📸 DANIEL DUARTE – AFP or licensors