Messi Insults Referee, Facing Big Punishment?

Nov 17, 2024 - 12:27 pm

By Writer SL

Messi Insults Referee, Facing Big Punishment?

ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - NOVEMBER 14: Lionel Messi of Argentina argues with Referee Anderson Daronco at halftime during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Paraguay and Argentina at Estadio Defensores del Chaco on November 14, 2024 in Asuncion, Paraguay. (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images)

Argentina captain Lionel Messi could find himself in some big trouble after insulting the referee after his side's loss to Paraguay on Friday.

The defending World Cup winners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

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The defeat to Paraguay means Lionel Scaloni's charges have won just one of their last four World Cup qualifiers.

Things could get worse for the World champions and their skipper, who told the referee, "You're a coward, I don't like you!".

"You're a coward, I don't like you!" ??

???? Lionel Messi's FULL outburst at half-time before Argentina went on to lose 2-1 Paraguay ????#eliminatoriassudamericanas pic.twitter.com/hgCJzpsIi2
— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) November 16, 2024

Diario AS have reported that the FIFA handbook states that footballers could be subjected to punishment if they are found to have used offensive gestures, signs or language on the field.
Argentina were already without first choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during the October international break after he was found guilty for offensive behaviour after repeating his infamous World Cup celebrations.
Scaloni's charges will be back in action on Wednesday when they host Peru in Buenos Aires.