Messi was caught pointing at the referee Anderson Daronco (Brazilian) and apparently criticizing him: “You are a coward, I don’t like you!”. This incident happened after the first half of the match in which Argentina lost 1-2 to Paraguay on November 15, in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America.
Messi was unhappy with referee Anderson Daronco’s decision not to show Paraguay defender Omar Alderete a second yellow card after a vicious foul on him. It was Alderete who later in the second half put Paraguay ahead 2-1 against Argentina and won the match.
So Messi’s anger is understandable. But this will get him into trouble if the referee reports the incident and FIFA will consider punishment. However, so far no punishment has been given and Messi will still play in Argentina’s match against Peru on November 20.
According to AS : “Actions like Messi’s when using harsh words to criticize the referee can be punished. Messi pointed his finger at the referee and continuously protested the decisions, continuing to criticize even as he was walking off the field.
FIFA’s handbook states that players can be subject to disciplinary action if they are found to be using “offensive gestures, signs or language” on the pitch. Messi was more restrained than some, but by calling referee Daronco a coward, he was essentially questioning the referee’s decision. Therefore, Messi could be suspended for his “hot-tempered behavior.”
Argentina are preparing for their next game against Peru, with Messi training normally and set to play as he has not been given any punishment. Scaloni has added striker Giuliano Simeone to his squad, while defenders Nahuel Molina and Cristian Romero are out through injury.
