Lionel Messi has expressed his feelings about Uruguay’s need to ‘learn respect’ in their 2-o victory over Argentina in the 2026 world cup qualifier marred by hot temper from both teams.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side defeated the Albiceleste in Buenos Aires thanks to goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez.
Argentina’s 14-match winning streak which began after their 2022 World Cup group stage loss to Saudi Arabia before they won the trophy came to an end with the loss.
Throughout the game, there were several confrontations, with Messi being spotted putting his hands on Uruguayan defender Mathias Olivera’s throat.
According to the Daily Mail, Uruguay midfielder, Manuel Ugarte and Rodrigo de Paul clashed in the first half, with the Uruguayan reportedly calling the Argentine a “suck up” to Lionel Messi.
De Paul became enraged at Ugarte’s lewd gesture, which includes pointing toward Messi.
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The Ballon d’Or winner replied after the game, saying their South American rivals should “learn respect.”
“These kinds of games, qualifiers, against Uruguay, it’s always like that,” Messi told reporters.
“I prefer not to say what I think. Young people have to learn to respect from their elders.
“These games are always intense but very respectful, so they have to learn a little.”
Argentina have not lost at home since they were defeated 1-0 by Paraguay in 2016 during the 2018 World Cup qualifying rounds.
The 3-time world cup champions last defeat at La Bombonera came in a friendly match against Germany, 3-1, back in 1977.
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With 12 points from five games, the world champions continue to lead the South American World Cup qualifying rankings.
After winning, Uruguay advanced to second on the standings. With Bielsa’s team on 10 points, ahead of Colombia and Venezuela on 9 and 8, respectively.
On November 21, Argentina will travel to play their bitter rivals, Brazil. The Selecao will aim for a win after suffering back-to-back losses to drop to fifth place in the standings.
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