Messi loses his cool
It is unusual to see Lionel Messi upset with the referee. The Argentine star has been fouled constantly throughout his career but has always focused on his own business. However, he couldn't help but get mad with the Brazilian referee Raphael Claus during his country's 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifier against Paraguay at La Bombonera on Thursday.
Messi, who was playing through an ankle injury, was left dismayed when Paraguay were awarded a first-half penalty for Lucas Martinez Quarta's challenge on Newcastle's Miguel Almiron in the 21st minute, incensed because Argentina were denied a spot-kick for a similar challenge moments earlier. Messi approached the referee to contend the decision and remind the official that four minutes earlier there had been a very similar play at the other end of the pitch and he gave nothing. Messi appeared to give Argentina a lead in the 57th, but a video reviewed decision by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus found a foul for Paraguay 27 seconds earlier when the ball was still in Argentina's half.
The Barcelona man celebrated his goal wildly, especially since it capped a fabulous 15-pass move, but the joy was short-lived as Claus went over to his monitor before bringing play back. "Two times you've s****ed us," Messi reportedly told referee Claus after the goal was ruled out. On the sidelines, the Argentina bench also exploded after seeing the review of the goal on the monitor. "Disgraceful," shouted coach Scaloni.
The decision meant Argentina had to settle for one point in a game in which they had more of both the possession and the chances after going behind to a first-half penalty.
"I think there has to be a way of uniting the themes of the VAR," Scaloni said. "I'm not speaking of good or bad faith, but in uniting the criteria." "We are left with a bitter sweet taste because Argentina did everything to win. In the second half we pinned our opponents back. We also have to recognise the team's attitude in always believing they could win."
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