Lionel Messi Captured in Heated Confrontation With Referees During Argentina Loss: Video

• Lionel Messi didn't hesitate to express his frustrations during Argentina's defeat to Paraguay
• It was Messi's third successive defeat across all competitions after Paraguay staged a comeback in the 2026 World Cup qualifier
• Despite the 2-1 loss to La Albirroja, Argentina sit at the summit of the South American qualifying table

Lionel Messi’s frustration boiled over during Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Paraguay in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.

Coming off Inter Miami's unexpected MLS Cup exit against Atlanta United, Messi arrived in Asunción with hopes of leading his national team to victory.

Paraguay stage comeback win vs Messi's Argentina

However, Argentina’s aspirations quickly unravelled as Paraguay mounted an impressive comeback, per Bolavip.

The night started brightly for the visitors when Lautaro Martinez struck in the 11th minute to put Argentina ahead.

Reactions to the news:

Here are some of the responses from netizens.

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Fans criticise Vinicius Jr after crucial penalty miss for Brazil

@TimelineCR7:

"Don't blame Messi he was resting."

@laligafrauds:

"Defeating Messi isn't an upset anymore. He is washed and finished."

@_Walentino:

"Messi down fall? I will be there."

@Bt10Vn:

"The king was tired."

@_Adarsh______:

"Paraguay with a stunning victory against Argentina."

@willsalib:

"Messi has to face super teams in his WC qualifiers while Ronaldo statpads against Luxembourg ."

@ClubAzulyOro:

"Rigged against Messi."

But Paraguay responded swiftly, equalising through Antonio Sanabria just eight minutes later.

According to USA Today, Omar Alderete completed the turnaround at the start of the second half, securing La Albirroja’s first triumph over Argentina since 2016.

Messi blasts referees

Argentina's disappointment was palpable, particularly for Messi, who didn’t hold back in expressing his anger toward the match officials.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner confronts the referee with pointed gestures in widely shared footage.

He vented his frustrations over perceived officiating inconsistencies that marred the game.

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Paraguay’s bold 'anti-Messi' tactics unveiled before crucial World Cup qualifier

The iconic No. 10’s displeasure was evident as he appeared to hold the officials accountable for moments he felt unfairly influenced the match.

Paraguay implements anti-Messi rule

Ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Argentina, Paraguay adopted a distinctive tactic to limit Messi's influence off the field. The country imposed an unusual rule, prohibiting fans from wearing Messi jerseys in the stadium.

Paraguay used a similar approach in their recent match against Brazil, where fans were also restricted from wearing Vinícius Júnior jerseys.

Source: YEN.com.gh